In a landmark move that has sent shockwaves through the education sector, Kentucky legislature has overridden Governor Beshear’s veto on Senate Bill 7 (SB 7), legislation that addresses the use of public school teachers’ union dues for political activities. The bill initially faced opposition but has now been enacted into law following votes in both the House and Senate on March 29.

SB 7 prohibits the automatic deduction of union dues from public school teachers’ pay for political activities. While educators could previously opt out of having their dues allocated for political purposes, under the new law, teachers will need to actively opt-in to contribute.

Despite Governor Beshear’s veto on March 27, which he justified as a measure to protect unions, teacher associations, and federal transit funds, the legislature moved forward to override the veto. Beshear argued that the bill was broadly worded and could potentially impact payroll deductions for dental and vision insurance providers, financial services firms, and charitable organizations.

At the Institute for Education Reform, we believe this legislation marks an important step towards ensuring transparency and giving teachers greater control over how their money is spent. We see SB 7 as a move that respects the individual rights of educators and promotes accountability in the use of union dues.

We invite you to join us as we continue to advocate for an education system that upholds the interests of all stakeholders and fosters a culture of respect, transparency, and informed decision-making.