Alabama Teachers Sue over Law Criminalizing Use of Union Dues for Political Activity

[The Straight Story]

Alabama Teachers Sue over Law Criminalizing Use of Union Dues for Political Activity

The Alabama Education Association is suing Governor Robert Bentley over legislation that his predecessor pushed through the legislature in an effort to cripple the union’s political activity.

In December, lame-duck GOP Governor Richard Riley called the Republican-dominated legislature into special session to adopt “ethics reforms” which included a bill that prohibited teachers from allowing automatic payroll deductions for union dues and made union members criminally liable if such dues or PAC contributions are used for political purposes.

In its lawsuit, the education employees union says Riley wanted the legislation passed “for the purpose of harming and retaliation against an employee organization because of its constitutionally protected advocacy regarding issues and candidates.” The purpose of the new law was “to silence political opposition.”

Alabama has not been a union-friendly state. Like other states in the South, it does not allow public employees to bargain collectively. Currently, the Alabama Education Association provides liability insurance as an incentive for teachers and others to join the union. However, when the Alabama state legislature reconvenes today, Republican leaders will propose that the state pay for such insurance as a way to lure teachers away from the union.


http://www.allgov.com/Controversies/ViewNews/Alabama_Teachers_Sue_over_Law_Criminalizing_Use_of_Union_Dues_for_Political_Activity_110301

[FreakinDJ]

1. Given the Citizens United decision the Gov lost this issue already

[DrDan]

2. could they incorporate? Corporations seem to have a free hand when it comes to political activity

[EC]

3. Then they would have to prohibit corps from giving to

pols since they lobby (make deals with pols) just as the union does.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. Education in the South still is rife with covert racism, too.

Screwing with "public" education means screwing with families who are not wealthy and Republican.
There are many many private schools in the state, even in a teeny town like ours, and surprise surprise...all white.

Property taxes here are shockingly low, all sorts of exemptions abound .
$ 100,000 house on 2 acres -300.00 year taxes, IF you are under 65, not disabled.
Otherwise, no taxes.

That whole scheme of course evolved years ago from racist education laws, which deliberately
prevented public money from adequately funding schools.

[nomb]

5. There is really no possible alternative explanation for near zero taxes supporting schools. None. nt