Thousands of union members rallied at the State Capitol today to oppose legislation that would require annual permission for union dues and fees to come out of public workers’ pay. The measure is alternately called “paycheck protection” by supporters and “paycheck deception” by opponents.
Governor Jay Nixon speaks at a rally against “paycheck protection” legislation, joined by fellow Democrats: Senate Minority Leader Joe Keaveny, House Minority Leader Jake Hummel, Secretary of State Jason Kander, Auditor Nicole Galloway, Representative Stephen Webber, Treasurer Clint Zweifel, and Attorney General Chris Koster, all of whom also spoke.
Governor Jay Nixon (D) vetoed that legislation – it is the second time he’s vetoed such a bill.
“This time they went even further by opening new avenues for lawsuits against employee associations, including those representing teachers and first responders,” said Nixon of this year’s bill. “So not only are they coming after unions, they’re giving my union, the lawyers, more business. I don’t think that’s really good for our state.”
Supporters say without the bill, workers’ dues will continue to go to support political candidates and causes that they don’t support. They say that violates the freedom of speech of those employees.
The legislation passed the House and Senate with enough votes to overturn Nixon’s veto, but even one switched vote in either chamber would allow the veto to stand. House staff told Missourinet an override attempt is not expected in the House until next week.
Several Democrats spoke at the rally, including Secretary of State and candidate for U.S. Senate Jason Kander; Representative and candidate for state Senate Stephen Webber; and Attorney General and gubernatorial candidate Chris Koster, all of whom used the opportunity to talk not only about the ‘paycheck’ legislation but their platforms.