Idahoans have long recognized the threat posed by labor unions, especially public sector unions—most of which are controlled by radical political leftists and neo-Marxist culture warriors.
In fact, Idaho became a “right to work” state in 1986. But Idaho law still contains loopholes that allow public school districts to use taxpayer funds to pay union dues and promote union activities.
How bad are teacher unions? Really bad. By definition, they’re political organizations—with nearly 98% of teacher union campaign spending going to Democratic candidates, according to a report from the American Parents Coalition.
The Idaho Education Association (IEA) and its affiliates regularly play in Republican primaries, supporting moderate or liberal Republican candidates that will do their bidding. They’ve also launched an IEA LGBTQ+ Caucus to “promote Pride events” to students, and they opposed legislation that prohibited pride flags from flying on school grounds.
House Bill 516aa – which was sponsored by Reps. Judy Boyle (R-Midvale), Dale Hawkins (R-Fernwood), and Kyle Harris (R-Lewiston), and Sens. Ben Toews (R-Coeur d’Alene) and Brian Lenney (R-Nampa) – would protect taxpayer funds from being used to subsidize teacher union activities.
The bill has been on Gov. Brad Little’s desk for eight days now—and we need you to send a message asking him to sign it!
Because the legislature adjourned for the remainder of the year last Friday, state legislators don’t have the opportunity to override Gov. Little if he chooses to veto the bill. And it’s no secret that the Idaho Education Association is pressuring him to do just that.
But here’s the sad reality: More than two-thirds of phone calls to the governor’s office are demanding that he veto the bill, according to one news report. Conservative Christians simply aren’t showing up—and that puts the bill in even greater jeopardy of getting vetoed.
You can flip the script by sending your message – and making your phone call – through our Action Center. We need to let Gov. Little know that the teacher union activists don’t speak for everyday Idahoans, and we can’t do it without your help!
P.S. I had the opportunity to testify before the House Commerce and Human Resources Committee in support of this legislation back in February. Here’s a video of my testimony, during which I was able to share the strong biblical case for freedom of association:
