Dozens of union members gathered at the Statehouse today (THUR) to oppose a bill that would eliminate an option for them to make political donations. Under current law, union members can voluntarily have money taken out of their paychecks and donated to political action committees. The bill would bar that practice. Union members gathered in the chamber when the House voted on the bill.
Supporters of the bill say union members can still make donations, they just won’t be automatically deducted from paychecks. Opponents of the bill say it limits free speech. Stan Chapman is a union member from Wichita.
The House passed the legislation by a vote of 75-46. It will now go to the Senate.