Curbs On Public Employee Dues May Get Senate Vote

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- A bill that would make it harder for public worker unions to spend members' dues on elections and charity is headed for the Senate floor.

The legislation from Republican Sen. Pam Wolf of Spring Lake Park cleared a state government panel Wednesday on a 6-5 vote.

It would block public employee union dues from supporting political action committees, foundations and magazines unless the employee submitted a written request to contribute to those items.

Unions for teachers, police, firefighters and other public employees oppose the bill.

Education Minnesota lobbyist James Haggar says it would stifle public workers' voices while adding red tape. He says Education Minnesota members can already opt out of paying some dues.

Wolf, a teacher, says she wants to give union members more control over their dues.

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