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Press Release

 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 9, 2014
Contact: Alexandra Freeze
877-385-6264
alexandra@aaeteachers.org

Association of American Educators Testifies Before Pennsylvania House State Government Committee in Support of Paycheck Protection

Alexandria, VA–The Association of American Educators (AAE), the largest, national non-union educators' organization, was pleased to testify in support of Pennsylvania House Bill 1507 on Thursday, a bill that would bar the use of taxpayer resources to collect government unions' political money. Two AAE member teachers and AAE Regional Membership Director Kristi Lacroix spoke in favor of the bill that would allow educators the freedom to make well-informed choices.

As a non-union professional organization, AAE was established, at least in part, by the fact that teachers were frustrated with their money going to partisan political causes or candidates. This legislation would allow teachers to make conscious decisions about where their hard-earned dollars are going. No educator should fund causes or candidates without their direct consent, period.

"We believe it is only logical and fair to allow teachers and other education employees to understand where their union dues are going," stated AAE Regional Membership Director Kristi Lacroix, a former classroom teacher. "I speak with teachers daily that are unaware that their union dues are going to political activity."

The fact that union dues go to more than just benefits and services is not widely known. Under paycheck protection, educators would be empowered with the information to make their own decisions. In practice, this legislation would promote fairness and transparency with all organizations and provide a check on union power by ensuring that tax dollars are not used for partisan politics.

"This bill is a step in the right direction for Pennsylvania," said AAE Executive Director Gary Beckner. "Teachers deserve the facts and taxpayers deserve accountability."

The Pennsylvania State Government Committee will now vote whether or not to put the bill on the House floor for a full vote.

The Association of American Educators (AAE) is the largest national, non-union, professional educator's organization, advancing the profession by offering a modern approach to teacher representation and educational advocacy, as well as promoting professionalism, collaboration and excellence without a partisan agenda. AAE members are forward-thinking professionals who are committed to student-centered reform efforts including school/teacher choice, accountability and technology. AAE has members in all 50 states and welcomes professionals from all education entities. Membership is $15 per month which includes $2 million professional liability insurance, employment rights coverage, professional development resources as well as a host of other benefits. Visit aaeteachers.org for further information.