Resoundingly, Texas Republican primary voters sent the message that they want an end to government collection of union dues. Over two million Texans voted in favor of the non-binding ballot Proposition 3 yesterday leading to its roughly 83% to 17% passage.

Despite a fact-distorting campaign from union leaders, voters showed that they don’t believe the role of government includes aiding public-sector unions by completing transactions that unions have the full ability, and responsibility, to do themselves.

The Texas Senate understands that this process is a misuse of taxpayer resources, which is why they passed S.B. 1968 –Paycheck Protection – last session. The bill died in the house because of liberal Republicans who are beholden to union leadership rather than the taxpayers.

The Senate will most likely take the issue up again, especially since Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has charged an interim committee with studying the practice and issuing recommendations.

The passage of proposition 3 by such a large margin sends a mandate to House leadership that voters want them to act on ending this practice next session. It is yet to be seen if the house will further drive the wedge between the wants of taxpayers and elected officials, or if we will finally see a paycheck protection bill allowed to progress.

If there was any previous doubt as to the position of taxpayers and business owners across the state, the proposition’s overwhelming success should put those concerns to rest.

The voters have spoken, will the legislature listen?

Charles Blain

Charles Blain is the president of Urban Reform and Urban Reform Institute. A native of New Jersey, he is based in Houston and writes on municipal finance and other urban issues.

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