Bluegrass Institute statement praises lawmakers for ending government collection of union dues, political contributions

The Bluegrass Institute for Public Policy Solutions (BIPPS) issued the following statement in response to today’s final passage of Senate Bill 7, which prohibits government employers from automatically deducting union dues and political contributions from the paychecks of teachers and other public employees.

Passage of this legislation stops the direct transmission of taxpayer dollars from government payrolls to public-sector union coffers. These funds are used to support political organizations and activities which members may not support.

Senate Bill 7 does not prevent the collection of union dues or political contributions. However, it removes government involvement altogether and requires unions to collect these funds directly from employees, who have the right to decide whether membership is beneficial to them.

SB 7 also requires unions to provide their members with an annual spending report, which will reveal how membership dues’ monies get spent.

We commend the efforts of Sen. Robby Mills, R-Henderson, and Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, for their hard work in shepherding this policy change through their respective chambers.

For more information or comment, please contact Bluegrass Institute president and CEO Jim Waters at (270) 320-4376 or jwaters@freedomkentucky.com.