Valley Families Unite Hosts a Successful Backpack and School Supply Giveaway

Attendees Joined Valley Families Unite in Calling on Congressman John Duarte to Oppose the Proposed Cuts to Education Funding. 

Merced, California – Valley Families Unite, in collaboration with Communities for a New California Action Fund, CA Alliance for Retired Americans and Youth Leadership Institute, gave away 80 backpacks during their end of summer backpack and school supply giveaway at the Rossotti ED - Zoo - Cation Center in Merced.

Attendees also engaged in important discussions about the proposed cuts to K-12 public school funding being considered as part of the House Republicans government funding bill for FY2025, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on teachers' jobs and students' access to higher education.

Valley Families Unite Regional Organizer Alyssa Leiva and a community partner distributing 80 backpacks to families in Merced at the Rossotti Center. | Photo Credit: Valley Families Unite

"Cuts to education funding undermine the future of our children and the quality of education they receive," stated Irene Kao, Valley Families Unite and Courage California Executive Director. "Cutting $8.6 billion from K-12 public education would strip schools of essential resources, severely affecting children's learning environments. Over the past year, teachers, parents, and students have consistently voiced their urgent need for increased school funding. We've called on Congressman Duarte to stand against any cuts that jeopardize our children's future."

Organizer Rosa Inguanzo from Communities for a New California addressed the potential $4.79 billion reduction in Title I Grants, which would severely affect low-income students in the area. Additionally, the proposed $75 million cut to Full-Service Community Schools and $87 million cut to Social and Emotional Learning grants were discussed, highlighting the threat these cuts pose to vital after-school programs and mental health services.  Attendees joined Valley Families Unite in calling on Congressman John Duarte to oppose the proposed cuts to education funding.

Communities for a New California parent organizers talking to families about education costs and needs in the district. | Photo Credit: Valley Families Unite

Sebastian Cervantes, a local community organizer stated, "It's not just about the supplies; it's about standing up for our students and our future. The proposed cuts to education funding could devastate our community. We need to make our voices heard and ensure our Representative John Duarte does his part to protect our students' futures."

For media inquiries, please contact Mario Vasquez Zuniga at 661-483-4927 or mario@valleyfamiliesunite.org.

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Valley Families Unite represents a shared vision of economic prosperity for working families and accountable leadership in California. With the collective strength of Courage California, Inland Empire United, Communities for a New California Action Fund and Lower Costs California, we are eager to hold our elected officials accountable for fighting for the economic well-being of California families.