On March 18 and 19, the Legislative and Advocacy Network Committees spearheaded CASBO’s 2026 Advocacy Days. Our members maintained an intensive pace, completing 45 meetings over the two-day event. The delegation engaged directly with legislators, Capitol staff, committee consultants, and the Administration’s policy team to advance our policy goals.

Honoring Assemblymember Avelino Valencia: 2026 Commitment to Education Award

CASBO proudly presented Assemblymember Avelino Valencia with the 2026 Commitment to Education Award. We recognized the Assemblymember for his leadership and steadfast dedication to California’s students. His solutions-oriented approach directly addresses the real-world challenges facing local educational agencies (LEAs). Assemblymember Valencia’s work reflects a deep understanding of school operational realities and a commitment to policies that balance student success with responsible implementation.

Celebrating CASBO President Aaron Heinz

Assemblymember Josh Hoover honored CASBO President Aaron Heinz for his years of dedicated service to education and his leadership within our association. Our members joined President Heinz and Assemblymember Hoover on the Assembly floor to celebrate as he received a formal Assembly Resolution recognizing his contributions to the field.

Advancing CASBO Priorities and Driving Impact

CASBO members engaged directly with legislators and staff, fostering meaningful dialogue on the diverse needs of local educational agencies (LEAs) and reinforcing the importance of viewing school finance as a critical investment in student success. A central focus of these conversations was the need for a stable, predictable, and adequate school finance system—one that fully funds the state’s academic standards and supports the diverse needs of California’s students. Members emphasized that Proposition 98 must be treated as a minimum funding guarantee, not a ceiling, and that ongoing volatility and funding deferrals undermine the ability of LEAs to plan effectively and sustain student services.

These conversations served not only as advocacy, but also as an important opportunity for mutual learning—members gained insight into legislative priorities while helping policymakers better understand the complexities of education finance. Members highlighted the real-world impacts of rising cost pressures, including pension obligations, utilities, insurance, and declining enrollment, as well as the challenges created by one-time funding structures and increasing reporting requirements that limit local flexibility.

Next Steps

The meetings generated immediate requests for CASBO’s perspective on numerous pending bills. We will continue to champion our priorities through policy and budget subcommittee hearings.

The Governmental Relations team and the Legislative Committee are currently reviewing new legislation and amplifying CASBO’s voice through formal positions, targeted letters, and committee testimony. As we approach the May Revise, we will remain at the forefront of the state’s ongoing budget conversations.