A new report by Defending Education shows that Alabama teacher union payroll deductions are helping fund more than $660 million in contributions from national unions to far-left organizations and left-wing political groups. This money does not include amounts given at the state level, which, when included, push the total to over $1 billion.
The report detailed how money flows from the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association (NEA) into the coffers of radical groups. Both organizations have state affiliates in Alabama.
Alabama law allows teachers’ unions to make payroll deductions in K-12 schools and colleges/universities, with the caveat that the funds not be used for political purposes. The report shows that the money is being used for that on a routine basis.
"It's time to dispense with the myth that unions care whatsoever about teachers' best interests. Educators are victims of a bait-and-switch: instead of their dues going to advocate for increased pay or improved working environments, they're being spent advancing a hard-left political agenda, underwriting causes such as climate change, gender activism, and abortion (as well as supporting progressive politicians at all levels)," Defending Education President Nicole Neily told Fox News in an exclusive interview announcing the report.
"Given the outsized role that unions have played in the education system over the past fifty years, greater transparency on union spending is absolutely critical so that policymakers and teachers themselves can make informed decisions about the role that these entities should — or should not — play in the future."
The report shows money going directly to some of the most liberal lawmakers around the nation, including Alabama democrats including U.S. Reps. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) and Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham), as well as former U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Birmingham).
The American Federation of Teachers Committee on Political Education gave to both candidates.
Money also flows to PACs that have given to both lawmakers and to the Alabama Democratic Party.
The NEA gave to the Alabama Education Association, in addition to pro-abortion Emily's List, Making Gay History, the Southern Poverty Law Center, Race and Equity in Education and other liberal causes.
An NEA Fund For Children & Public Education PAC has also given to both Alabama Democratic candidates.
The funds to direct candidates are only a small portion of the money spent.
"While it is clear in some cases which organizations or campaigns receive funding, in other cases it is less clear as other PACs and nonprofits can act as passthroughs to benefit campaigns, advance ballot initiatives, oppose school choice legislation, or promote far-left social justice ideologies," Defending Education explains.
To view all of the reports, visit their website here.
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