Government Unions Bosses United for Political Attack Ads

Politics PA reported last week that a group called “Americans United for Change” is targeting four Pennsylvania Congressmen (Charlie Dent, Joe Pitts, Mike Fitzpatrick, and Pat Meehan) in their 2014 campaign against Republicans.

But who is behind this obviously partisan political group?  I think regular readers of this blog—or anyone paying attention to the title of this post—will be able to guess.

Government union leaders, of course, are bankrolling “Americans United for Change.”  The national chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) gave $1,375,000 to the group, while Service Employees International Union (SEIU) gave another $170,000, according to their 2012 reports.

These contributions were made directly from union members’ dues.  AFSCME and SEIU are among the government unions that have the unique political privilege of having taxpayer resources used to collect their dues and political money.

It is time to stop using public resources to support partisan politics.