Statement from CEO Marshall Tuck on Governor Newsom’s 2026 State Budget May Revision

Statement from Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, on Investments in Education in Governor Newsom’s 2026-2027 State Budget May Revision

SACRAMENTO, CA (May 15, 2026) – Today, EdVoice CEO Marshall Tuck issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s May Revision of the 2026-2027 state budget: 

“EdVoice commends Governor Newsom for continuing to prioritize education in the May Revision of his state budget. These investments will help strengthen California’s public education system and improve outcomes for our students, teachers, and school communities. 

We are especially encouraged to see continued investments in EdVoice’s core policy priorities, including a strong teacher workforce and evidence-based approaches to early literacy and math instruction. We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to strengthen these commitments and ensure they translate into meaningful improvements in classrooms and greater opportunity for students across California.

Teacher Workforce

Teachers are the most important school-based factor influencing student success, yet far too many California students—particularly those in low-income communities—lack access to fully credentialed educators. The May Revision helps address the state’s teacher shortage by proposing $17.8 million in new funding for the Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program, as well as restoring GSTG awards for prospective special education teachers to $20,000 in exchange for a four-year commitment to high-needs schools. 

This financial incentive program has successfully helped influence more than 22,000 teacher candidates to serve in high-needs schools after earning their credential, expanding access to qualified educators for hundreds of thousands of students. While EdVoice appreciates the continued investment, additional funding is needed to sustain the program’s impact. Historically, GSTG has operated with an average annual budget of approximately $100 million. We urge the Governor and Legislature to invest as close to that level as possible so more students in high-needs schools have access to qualified teachers. 

Literacy

We appreciate the continued $40 million commitment to professional development for the implementation of universal screening for reading difficulties in grades K-2. We also applaud the additional $428.8 million to extend the Literacy Coaching and Reading Specialists Grant program, which new research shows is improving reading outcomes for students. 

We continue to encourage the administration not to restrict the timing of screening in 1st and 2nd grade. There is limited evidence to support these restrictions, and they risk delaying early identification and intervention for students who need it most.

Early Math

We are pleased to see the proposed $60 million investment in professional development for math instruction, an important step toward improving student achievement in mathematics.

We also urge the administration to prioritize early math screening and targeted intervention. Research consistently shows that identifying and addressing math difficulties early is critical to improving long-term student outcomes. Focused investments are needed to ensure students receive timely support, including interventions such as high-impact tutoring. Strong early math foundations are essential to preparing students for success in school, careers, and life. 

Governance 

EdVoice maintains strong support for the Governor’s education governance proposal to consolidate oversight of the California Department of Education under the State Board of Education. This shift will create clearer accountability and greater coherence across California’s education system, strengthening support for the state’s more than 1,000 school districts and ultimately improving student outcomes.”

About EdVoice:

EdVoice is a 501(c)4 nonprofit education advocacy organization driving California state policy change to transform our state’s public education system so it effectively prepares all children for opportunities in college, career, and life. ​To combat the current system’s inequities, EdVoice engages in direct advocacy with policymakers to influence the passage or defeat of key legislation, leads education and awareness campaigns to raise up our policy priority areas, and provides strategic political funding through our EdVoice for the Kids PAC to leaders prioritizing students from low-income communities.

Media Inquiries: EdVoice@ActumLLC.com 

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