The machinery of government should not be used to facilitate the financial operations of private organizations—regardless of their mission or membership. While state and local governments exist to serve the people of Texas, they were never intended to act as dues or fees collectors for third-party groups, including Unions.
Under current practice, public payroll systems—funded by taxpayers—can be used to channel money to external membership organizations. This creates a troubling dynamic where government entities are placed in the middle of private relationships. Even if minor, state and local payroll systems are taxpayer-funded, and using them for dues collection is a form of indirect subsidy to private groups. That’s not the role of government.
Thankfully, a bill has been filed, and already heard in committee, to deal with this.
The bill, SB 2330 authored by State Senator Tan Parker (R-Flower Mound), is a common-sense measure that reins in government overreach and protects hardworking taxpayers. This bill prohibits state and local governments from deducting union dues from government employee paychecks, with limited exceptions for peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel.
It’s a good step toward fiscal conservatism, individual liberty, and reducing the influence of bloated labor organizations.
For too long, Texas taxpayers have been forced to subsidize unions through automatic payroll deductions, essentially funding agendas that often clash with the values of small government and low taxes. SB 2330 ends this practice, ensuring public employees can choose whether to support unions without the state acting as a middleman. By cutting off this taxpayer-funded pipeline, the bill empowers workers, not bureaucrats or union bosses, to decide where their money goes. This aligns perfectly with TFR’s mission to shrink government and let Texans keep more of their hard-earned dollars.
The bill’s exceptions for first responders strike a fair balance, recognizing their unique role while still curbing widespread abuse. Meanwhile, it closes loopholes that allow public funds to prop up organizations pushing for bigger government and higher spending, policies TFR has long opposed.
With Texas facing skyrocketing property taxes and economic pressures, we can’t afford to let public resources be siphoned off to special interests. SB 2330 redirects that focus back to taxpayers, not union coffers.
Critics might argue this limits worker rights, but the opposite is true. It frees employees from coerced contributions, fostering a freer market for labor. Less regulation, not more, is the key to prosperity. Plus, with no fiscal note hiking costs, SB 2330 proves you can advance conservative values without burdening the budget.
Ultimately, SB 2330 is about drawing a brighter line between the public and private spheres. It reinforces that taxpayer resources should be dedicated to the people’s business and nothing more.
As the 89th Legislative Session unfolds, SB 2330 is a one of many litmus test for lawmakers. Will they stand for fiscal responsibility and limited government, or bow to the establishment? TFR urges the Senate to pass this bill swiftly and calls on the House to follow suit. Texans deserve a government that serves them, not private organizations like Unions.
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