Full Busses Expected for Senator Dave Cortese’s Annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education As Federal & State Education Cuts Raise Many Questions
WHAT: With all the turmoil back in Washington D.C. under the new Administration, including proposed state and federal funding cuts to educational programs, Senator Dave Cortese’s 22nd annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education is more important than ever.
Hundreds of residents – including students, teachers, and education advocates – will take a bus trip from San Jose to Sacramento to urge California lawmakers to prioritize supporting public education in 2025. Participants will advocate for stronger investments in schools, protections against looming federal cuts, and a state budget that reflects the needs of students and educators across the state.
This year, advocates are returning to the Capitol with a renewed call for equity and opportunity. Participants will urge lawmakers to oppose harmful cuts to the UC and CSU systems, protect students from federal funding shortfalls, and support key legislation like SB 743, the Education Equalization Act, a bill authored by Senator Cortese that would close the per-pupil funding gap between basic-aid and non-basic-aid districts. This year, the Senator is also authoring SB 33 and SB 685, which provide direct financial support and college access for students experiencing homelessness. This work reflects a broader vision to create a public education system that leaves no child behind, regardless of zip code, background, or circumstance.
This annual Sacramento Bus Trip for Education, led by Senator Dave Cortese for over two decades, has a long-standing legacy of grassroots advocacy in support of equalizing education funding across California. It began as a modest community petition effort twenty-two years ago during Cortese’s time as a San Jose City Councilmember and has since grown into a powerful platform for change, with hundreds of Bus Trip participants advocating for education equity and adequate resources for students and educators.
“For over two decades now, this Bus Trip has always been about giving our communities a voice and building a more just and equitable education system,” said Senator Dave Cortese (D–San José). “Our students and educators are showing up once again to make sure Sacramento hears them loud and clear: we must protect our schools, close funding gaps, and ensure every young person has access to a high-quality public education.”
WHEN: Tuesday May 20
Bus departs at 6 a.m from SJSU (Exact location TBD next week)
WHERE: Agenda for San Jose and Outside the Capitol in Sacramento
5:30am - 6:00am Depart from SJSU Lot (1278 S. 10th Street)
8:45am – 9:00am Arrive to California State Capitol
9:10am - 9:25am Opening Remarks – State Senator Dave Cortese
9:25am - 9:40am Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire
9:40am – 9:55am State Assemblymember Gail Pellerin
9:55am – 10:10am State Senator John Laird
10:10am - 10:25am State Senator Jesse Arreguin
10:25am – 10:35am California Department of Education, Natasha Middleton
10:35am – 10:45am Chair of Senate Education Committee, State Senator Sasha Renee Perez
10:45am – 11:00am Chair of Assembly Education Committee, State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi
11:00AM - 11:15am State Senator Lena Gonzalez
11:15am - 11:30am State Senator Aisha Wahab
11:30am - 11:45am State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
11:45am - 12:00pm Group Photo
12:00pm – 1:00pm Break for Lunch
1:00pm – 1:15pm California School Employee Association, Board Member Ron Walker
1:15pm - 1:30pm California Teacher Association, Seth Bramble
1:30pm – 1:45pm State Assemblymember Alex Lee
1:45pm – 2:00pm Small Break
2:00pm – 2:15pm State Assemblymember Ash Kalra
2:15pm – 2:30pm Office of Governor Newsom, Nichole Muñoz-Murillo
2:30pm – 2:45pm Closing Remarks – State Senator Dave Cortese
2:45pm – 3:00pm Load Buses – State Capitol
3:00pm – 5:00pm Depart and Arrive to San Jose
Speaking order is subject to change.
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