Public Union Democracy

Pennsylvania Government Union Dues Used for Politics

  • May 8, 2017

Since 2007, Pennsylvania government unions spent $62.7 million from membership dues on “Political Activities & Lobbying.” Including national affiliates the total reaches $342 million during the 2016 election cycle alone. Here…

Commentary

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Time to End Special Interest Loophole

  • Jessica Barnett
  • April 27, 2017

Because of a legal carveout for special interests, Pennsylvania has been mixing public resources and politics for years. But that carveout could soon end.

Commentary

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Time to End Special Interest Loophole

  • April 27, 2017

Because of a legal carveout for special interests, Pennsylvania has been mixing public resources and politics for years. But that carveout could soon end.

Commentary

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Government Accountability

Policy Memo: Government Union Political Spending Trends

  • Jessica Barnett
  • April 19, 2017

Union leaders spend millions each year to further their own political agenda. Regardless of public sector employees’ personal political convictions, the highly partisan trend continued to the tune of $19 million…

Memo

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Public Union Democracy

Op-Ed: Time to End Special-Interest Loophole

  • Jessica Barnett
  • March 24, 2017

Subverting public resources for political gain will not be tolerated. Except when it is. Pennsylvania government regularly collects and distributes tens of millions of dollars earmarked for politics on behalf of…

Commentary

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Top Ten Recipients of Government Union Contributions

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • February 1, 2017

Since 2010, five government unions have contributed $18 million from Political Action Committees. These same unions reported spending $40 million on "political activities and lobbying" using union dues. A significant…

Commentary

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Top Ten Recipients of Government Union Contributions

  • February 1, 2017

Since 2010, five government unions have contributed $18 million from Political Action Committees. These same unions reported spending $40 million on "political activities and lobbying" using union dues. A significant…

Commentary

Read More: Top Ten Recipients of Government Union Contributions

Public Union Democracy

Top Ten Recipients of Government Union Contributions

  • Elizabeth Stelle
  • September 30, 2016

Election season is in full swing, but so is the fall legislative session. This time of year elected officials walk a narrow line to avoid the illegal practice of using…

Media

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Government Union Campaign Spending (2010-2016)

  • September 21, 2016

It is a crime for elected officials to use public resources for politics. Yet, public resources are used to funnel union dues and campaign contributions from workers' paychecks to union…

Commentary

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