KNOLLENBERG: TAX DOLLARS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR UNION NON-PUBLIC BUSINESS

In an effort to get more money into the classroom, infrastructure and public safety, state Rep. Marty Knollenberg today introduced legislation to put an end to taxpayer-funded labor representative activities.

Knollenberg introduced House Bill 4665 after learning that 25 of the 28 school districts in Oakland County that he surveyed had either a full-time or part-time labor representative being paid by the school district to perform labor activities.

"It is always time to expect top results from our tax dollars, but during these particularly hard times when taxpayers are forced to make sacrifices we must ensure that public dollars are used for public business," said Knollenberg, R-Troy. "We are now forced to decide between the 'needs' and the 'wants' to keep our schools running."

Knollenberg said that it was a common practice across the state for schools to use taxpayer funds to promote union activities as an unspoken benefit to union leadership, even support union staff that does not work for the school or the students.

"The vast majority of teachers, especially unemployed teachers, should be concerned that their school districts may be financing a union official's non-teaching activities at the expense of hiring one or two additional teachers that could result in new employment and smaller class sizes," Knollenberg said.

Nonetheless, Knollenberg's bill applies to all public bodies because the principle of using taxpayer-funds only for taxpayer or public business applies equally to any public employment situation.

"Michigan spends more than $14 billion a year to educate our students," continued Knollenberg. "This money belongs in the classroom to help prepare our children for a changing global economy and position our state as a jobs center."

A copy of the initial survey is available for the media upon request.

Should constituents wish to contact Knollenberg on this issue or any other, he can be reached toll free at 1-877-248-0001 or by e-mail at martyknollenberg@house.mi.gov. Residents and media can find ongoing updates at www.gophouse.com/knollenberg.htm.

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