The State Worker: San Bernardino union gives $100,000 to fight payroll measure

The State Worker

Chronicling civil-service life for California state workers

May 30, 2012

San Bernardino union gives $100,000 to fight payroll measure

A Southern California public employee's union has given $100,000 to the campaign fighting a November ballot measure that would, among other things, end payroll-deducted contributions for political fundraising.

The San Bernardino County Safety Employees' Benefit Association made the donation May 14, according to records filed with the state last week that you can access here or read below. The opposition campaign has raised nearly $6.5 million so far. Supporters have raised about $3 million.

The proposal would ban unions and business groups from donating money directly to politicians, although all could continue unlimited spending on independent expenditure campaigns.

But the proposition also eliminates payroll-deducted contributions, unions' primary means of raising money. Businesses would come under the same ban, but they get the bulk of their political funding from top executives and company funds.

The group behind the measure contends that the measure is an even-handed proposal to limit the influence of both business and labor.

San Bernardino County Safety Employees' Benefit Association donation to defeat 'paycheck' measure

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