Committee OKs bill targeting union dues

Source: Houston Chronicle

By Madlin Mekelburg

AUSTIN -- The Senate State Affairs Committee voted Monday to send a bill that would prevent most public employees from paying union and other association dues through payroll deductions to the full chamber for consideration.

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, one of three senators who voted against the legislation, said it discriminates against public employees.

"Every state and local employee in Texas who chooses to steer a portion of earnings to a labor or professional organization has done so voluntarily, so why take away that option?" Ellis said in a statement after the vote.

The bill, which the committee OK'd by a 6-3 vote, would exempt police officers and firefighters from the ban.

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