Taxpayers have been picking up the tab for processing paycheck deductions to fund a liberal union’s political activities. Sound rotten? That’s why taxpayer hero Leo Berman is asking the Texas Attorney General to review the process.

While dues to the Texas State Teacher Association is voluntary, taxpayers right now don’t have a choice in seeing their dollars used to facilitate political contributions. And, yeah, we know: TSTA isn’t a union. Sure, and that water fowl waddling down the street quacking isn’t a duck.

Here’s how his hometown paper quotes the question Berman put to the Texas AG: “Is it permissible for government resources to be utilized to process government paycheck deductions for political campaign donations?”

Of course, TSTA’s PAC has been a notorious supporter of left-wing causes, liberal candidates and anti-taxpayer efforts. That they use taxpayer resources to facilitate the funding is simply unconscionable.

TSTA spokesman Richard Kouri dismisses the inquiry, saying the legislature discussed the issue when they allowed the payroll deducations in the first place. Of course, the legislature at the time was run by liberal Democrats who were getting the union PAC largesse. Of course they didn’t object.

The TSTA knows, like all unions do, that if teachers actually had to actually write a check each month for their dues and political contributions, the teachers would find better ways to spend the money. Payroll deductions let the union grab the cash before the teachers ever see it.

It’s time to end this ill-conceived program. Way to go, Leo!

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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