The Texas Business Coalition has announced its support for the Government Accountability and Transparency Act, which aims to stop the state's involvement in collecting public sector union dues. This announcement was made in a press release on March 12, 2025.
According to the press release, Senate Bill 2330, introduced by Senator Tan Parker, and House Bill 4525, proposed by Representative Carl Tepper, would cease Texas government involvement in collecting and processing labor union dues. The responsibility would shift to the unions themselves.Data from the Texas Comptroller indicates that nearly $66 million has been withheld from public employees' paychecks over the past decade and transferred to unions such as the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). These figures only account for state employees and do not include collections by local governments and school districts.
"Banning state subsidiaries from the collection of union dues is long overdue legislation," said Representative Tepper. "Our state and local governments should not be in the business of making payroll deductions on behalf of unions; especially when those unions so often advocate against the interests of the public. I look forward to working with Senator Tan Parker to make this bill law."
Annie Spilman, representing the Texas Business Coalition, said: "In the digital age, there is no reason for the government to be involved in collecting dues for any organization. It is improper for the government to be involved in this practice at all. The Texas business community stands behind this effort and is committed to securing passage of the legislation. We will continue to work alongside lawmakers and stakeholders to ensure that Texas leads the way in protecting taxpayer dollars and upholding the integrity of our government institutions."
The proposed legislation has garnered support from various business organizations. Supporters argue that removing government involvement in dues collection will enhance transparency and accountability.
The Texas Business Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on advocating for businesses based in Texas and their communities. It addresses key legislative issues impacting economic prosperity and community well-being. According to their website, the coalition emphasizes local businesses' role in strengthening Texas’ economy, promoting civic values, and addressing critical concerns such as energy policy, human trafficking, and drug cartel influence.
