As a constituent and Utah taxpayer I ask that you sign HB 267. I support this bill for multiple reasons.
This bill represents a necessary reform to ensure that taxpayer resources are used appropriately and transparently, rather than subsidizing activities that fall outside the core responsibilities of government.
A key benefit to HB 267 is that it levels the playing field for all organizations by ending the subsidization of union activities with public resources. Unions, like all private organizations should be free to engage in the activities they want and use their collective voice to advocate for what they want, but today, unions often utilize taxpayer-funded resources—such as government facilities and paid leave for union activities—shifting hidden costs onto taxpayers. This diverts funds that could otherwise be used for essential public services like education, infrastructure, and public safety. HB 267 restores fairness and accountability, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent solely on serving the public’s needs.
Additionally, it eliminates the automatic deduction of union dues, and instead requires the member to request deductions proactively. Under the current system resources are being used to process union dues, an activity that has no direct connection to the proper function of government. By requiring union members to proactively opt in, HB 267 ensures that participation is a personal choice and that government remains impartial in its operations.
Lastly, I support the provision in this bill that prevents future public union staff, people who are not government employees, from participating in the Utah Retirement System, where they receive benefits from taxpaying Utahns. Taxpayers should not be paying for benefits for people who are not employees of the state or local government.
This bill is a commonsense approach to rein in unnecessary government support of union affairs and to safeguard public funds, and I ask that you support it.