HB 1163 Prohits Towns, Cities and the State from Withholding Union Dues which are Used to Hire Lobbyists

Hundreds of union workers descended upon the NH Statehouse this week in opposition to HB 1163 (Rep. Sue DeLemus-R), which prohibits towns, cities and the state from withholding union dues. Union lobbyists made dire predictions that this bill undermines workers’ morale as well as the unions themselves.

Similar warnings were made with the introduction of The Toleration Act of 1819, proposing to separate Church and State.  Towns would not longer be allowed to withholdmoney for the churches. Many proclaimed that the churches would be undermined and devastated.

"Pass the bill now on the table," said Mr. Hubbard, (Hubbard's speech, July 1819) "and the temples now consecrated to the worship of our Saviour of the world will soon be deserted and forsaken."

History of New Hampshire by George Barstow (1842), pg 434.

Our churches survived and so will the unions.

Union dues are used for partisan purposes, such as hiring lobbyists. These lobbyists oppose the initiatives of citizens, such as HB 1163. Government should not play a role in the collection of money for partisan politics any more than towns should collect money for churches.  It’s divisive.

Union members can easily set up automatic withdrawals from their bank accounts for the payment of union dues.

It’s time to separate State and Unions and protect the rights of our citizens. Government should take no actions to support any church or enable any union.