President's message

Defending Education, Together

CSEA siblings,

Every day, classified employees see firsthand how federal education funding makes a difference in the lives of students. From school meals to special education, from programs that help immigrant students to those that support career technical education, these resources are lifelines for families and communities.

Now, those lifelines are under attack. Federal lawmakers are proposing deep cuts that would devastate our schools and shortchange our students. That is why CSEA has launched a coordinated Defend Ed campaign to protect public education.

This is not just another campaign. It is a movement. Across the state, CSEA members are writing letters, recording video messages, and speaking out with a united voice. Together, we are telling Congress that education is not optional, and our students cannot afford to lose the support they rely on.

What makes Defend Ed powerful is that it is rooted in who we are as classified employees. We are the people who keep schools running, who see the difference when a child has a hot lunch or when a student with disabilities receives the support they need. We know what is at stake, and we are standing up for it.

Our strength comes from our unity. By lifting our voices together, one letter, one conversation, one action at a time, we are defending not only education funding but also the values of fairness and opportunity that make public education the foundation of our democracy.

In the weeks and months ahead, you will see emails and other communication from CSEA asking you to take action on specific issues, such as writing letters or making phone calls to lawmakers. When those opportunities arrive, I urge you to step up and join in. Every action matters. You can also visit csea.com/DefendEd to learn more and find ways to get involved right now.