TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A Kansas Senate committee leader says the panel has removed the flaws in legislation barring public employee unions from automatically deducting money from members’ paychecks to finance political activities.
But the state’s largest teachers union still strongly opposes the measure.
Commerce Committee chairwoman Julia Lynn said Wednesday that the panel has narrowed the proposal so it wouldn’t also prevent public employee unions from lobbying lawmakers.
Critics argued the measure was broad enough when the House passed it in January to violate the free speech rights of union members.
Supporters say they just want to protect union members from being pressured into helping finance political causes or candidates.
The Senate could debate the bill Thursday. The Commerce Committee approved it this week.
