Government affairs

Over the past week, measures have been introduced and advanced in several state legislatures that attempt to attack or undermine workers’ rights, voting rights and more. Below is a list of states in each bills and how union members can help defeat these pieces of legislation.

Colorado

Right to work: Sen. Tim Neville (R) and Rep. Justin Everett (R) have introduced S.B. 17-055, which would strip public-sector employees of union representation.

The Colorado AFL-CIO is requesting union members be prepared to take action and attend upcoming trainings. To sign up, click here.

Iowa

Voter ID: Sens. Brad Zaun (R) introduced SF 47, which would require proof of identification to vote.

Straight party voting elimination: Sen. Mark Chelgren (R) introduced SF 60, which would prevent voters from choosing between every candidate that a political party has on a general election ballot.

Defined contribution pension plans: Sen. Brad Zaun (R) introduced SF 45, which would mandate a defined contribution pension plan for certain public employees.

Primary road funding spending: Sen. Tim Kapucian (R) introduced SSB 1003, which would authorize primary road funds for secondary road and municipal street systems.

Governor’s de-appropriations: Gov. Terry Branstad (R) proposed his Fiscal Year 2016 budget with SB 1018, which would drastically reduce funding levels for schools, colleges and state agencies.

The Iowa AFL-CIO is urging union members in the state to call their state representatives at (888) 332-8460 to urge lawmakers to reject each of these proposals.

Missouri

Right to work: Rep. Holly Rehder (R) introduced H.B. 91 and Sen. Dan Brown (R) introduced S.B. 19, which would strip public-sector employees of union representation.

Paycheck deception: Brown introduced S.B. 21, which would make it burdensome for unions to deduct dues.

Prevailing wage repeal: Brown introduced S.B. 20 and Sen. David Sater (R) introduced S.B. 29, both of which would require workers to “opt in” to having union dues withheld from their paychecks and require unions to use separate money for its political activities.

PLA modification: Sen. Bob Onder (R) introduced S.B. 182, which would prevent the state from using contractors who are represented by a union with some public projects.

The Missouri AFL-CIO is urging union members in the state to call their state representatives and urge lawmakers to reject each of these proposals.

New Hampshire

Right to work: Rep. Glenn Cordelli (R) introduced HB 520, which would strip public-sector employees of union representation.

Paycheck deception: Rep. Hills Hinch (R) introduced HB 438, which would make it burdensome for unions to deduct dues.

The New Hampshire AFL-CIO is urging union members in the state to call their state representatives and urge lawmakers to reject each of these proposals.

Ohio

Right to work: Rep. John Becker (R) has introduced H.B. 583, which would strip public-sector employees of union representation.

The Ohio AFL-CIO is urging union members in the state to call their state representatives and urge lawmakers to reject this proposal.