Congress is weighing major education funding cuts that could affect classrooms across the country — from programs for low-income students to teacher training and English learner services. With deadlines fast approaching, school leaders are bracing for potential fallout. What happens next could shape school budgets as soon as October.

California is entering a pivotal moment. A new teachers’ tax proposal, a high-stakes redistricting measure, and looming questions about the Fed’s independence all collide to shape the state’s future. Each carries big implications for schools, politics, and the economy, but the real story lies in how these forces interact. Discover what’s at stake and why leaders are bracing for major change.

State leaders have called a special election this November tied to redistricting, while a newly filed initiative proposes sweeping changes to California’s insurance market. Meanwhile, August revenues came in slightly above expectations, keeping the state on a stable footing for now. These developments could shape schools, local governments, and voters heading into 2026.