Wrap: The Missouri House approved of eliminating unions' ability to require fees from all government employees they serve.

The bill was heraled by some as a win for workers, who would not have to pay for unions' political activism. Andrew County Representative Delus Johnson, who was compelled to pay dues as a firefighter, opposed the bill.

Actuality:	JOHNSON.WAV
Run Time:	00:08
Description: If you can think about this, say we require every democrat in this state to join a union and pay dues to support the National Rifle Association, I think some democrats would have a problem with that.

The bill does not apply to first responders' organizations, though the republican called for that to be changed.

From the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

 

Wrap: Goverment workers would not be compelled to pay union dues under a Missouri House-approved bill.

Some democrats argued the measure takes political power out of the hands of blue-collar workers.

Actuality:	PETERS.WAV
Run Time:	00:09
Description: This legislation, throughout the country, is designed to limit working families' participation in the political and legislative process by singling out unions.

Republicans argued that the fees did not speak for every member of unions, and supported issues contrary to most of their members' beliefs.

The bill does not apply to emergency personnel.

From the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.

 

Wrap: Unions would not be able to withold public employees' earnings for dues under a bill passed by the Missouri House.

Two democrats spoke in favor of the bill, which would hamper teachers' unions ability to exert political pressure.

St. Louis County Representative Courtney Curtis said if unions were more responsive to their members, they would not need to require dues be paid.

Actuality:	CURTIS.WAV
Run Time:	00:08
Description: To say that, if we don't force people to do something they're not going to do it, that means that you either don't have good people or you're not doing a good job.

Other democrats argued working families' ability to be politically active would be hurt.

From the state Capitol, I'm Jack Morrisroe.