Statement from EdVoice CEO on California’s Significant Investments in Education
Statement from Marshall Tuck, CEO of EdVoice, on California’s Significant Investments in Education
SACRAMENTO, CA (June 30, 2026) – Today, EdVoice CEO Marshall Tuck issued the following statement in response to the 2026–27 California State Budget Act (AB 109) signed by Governor Newsom, and the education omnibus trailer bill expected to be voted on this Thursday, July 2.
“California’s significant TK-12 education budget makes clear Governor Newsom and the California Legislature’s commitment to strengthening the state’s public education system. These major investments in EdVoice’s core policy priorities will help improve outcomes for our students and communities across California:
Qualified Teachers
EdVoice applauds the $17.8 million in new funding for the Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program, a financial incentive program that had previously been scheduled to sunset in 2026. The GSTG Program has 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 in low-income communities. Given the program’s success, EdVoice strongly supports the Legislature’s intent to allocate $10 million in 2027–28 to GSTG for teacher candidates earning a credential in a high-need field of study including bilingual education, math, science, technology, computer science, or special education.
EdVoice also welcomes $408 million in additional funding for the Student Teacher Stipend Program over the next several years, including $27.5 million annually for increased stipends to candidates pursuing credentials in high-need fields.
Early Literacy
Reading is the gateway to future learning and opportunity, making ongoing investments in evidence-based reading instruction critical. EdVoice appreciates the additional $40 million to support professional development in K-2 universal screening for reading difficulties. In addition, EdVoice is pleased that proposed screening timeline restrictions for first and second grade have been removed and that the state has committed to developing more guidance for school districts. EdVoice also supports the additional $350 million to extend the Literacy Coaching and Reading Specialists Grant Program.
Early Math
EdVoice is excited to see an additional $50 million investment in professional development for math instruction—an important step toward improving student achievement. Strong foundations in early math skills are essential to preparing students for success in school, careers, and life. We encourage state leaders to continue prioritizing meaningful investments in math.”
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.
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