Tax activists are making another run in the Golden State at an initiative that would provide so-called "paycheck protection" for union members, banning unions from using dues donated from paychecks for political purposes unless the union obtains permission from the worker. The group Californians Against Special Interests recently had their proposed initiative, officially dubbed the Stop Special Interest Money Now Act, cleared by the California Secretary of State for circulation. That means that the committee has until Oct. 24. to gather 504,760 signatures to get the measure placed on the November ballot. The measure would also stop corporations from automatically deducting dues from employees to use in political campaigns.
A similar measure focused just on union political giving was defeated in 2005, but backers, including the Lincoln Club of Orange County, are hoping the political climate is more accommodating this time.
The committee reports having receiving some $325,000 in donations so far to support the initiative drive. They'll have to raise much more money to succeed, because opponents are sure to spend heavily to defeat the initiative. In 2005, opponents outspent proponents of paycheck protection by 10-to-1, with the California Teachers Association alone kicking in $12 million, and the California State Council of Service Employees adding $10 million. The biggest contributor in support of the 2005 initiative was the California Republican Party, which spent $1.2 million, followed by the California Chamber of Commerce, which added $500,000.
The committee reports having receiving some $325,000 in donations so far to support the initiative drive. They'll have to raise much more money to succeed, because opponents are sure to spend heavily to defeat the initiative. In 2005, opponents outspent proponents of paycheck protection by 10-to-1, with the California Teachers Association alone kicking in $12 million, and the California State Council of Service Employees adding $10 million. The biggest contributor in support of the 2005 initiative was the California Republican Party, which spent $1.2 million, followed by the California Chamber of Commerce, which added $500,000.
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