“We support educators here in Florida and across the nation as they work each day to support students and learning in our classrooms. As they undertake this critical work, it’s imperative that teachers have the freedom to choose how they spend their hard-earned income.
“Our education system must be accountable and transparent, especially when it comes to educators and the work they do. Thank you, Gov. Ron DeSantis, Rep. Dean Black and Sen. Blaise Ingoglia for empowering Florida educators.”
Former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Foundation for Florida’s Future Trustee, issued the following statement:
“We trust teachers to educate our students and ensure their success. We also trust them to decide whether or not they want to be part of a union. This bill makes that freedom clear, and I am proud of lawmakers for siding with educators over special interests.”
Under SB256, public school teacher unions will no longer be able to automatically deduct union dues from teachers’ paychecks. This measure will protect teachers’ paychecks from union enrollment without their consent. Teacher union members may revoke their public school union membership at any time under the new legislation.
SB256 ensures greater transparency and accountability from public sector unions by increasing reporting requirements on union leaders’ compensation and any changes to union membership costs. Public school teachers represented by unions will know exactly how their dues are spent and will be duly notified of any increases in union dues on an annual basis thanks to greater financial reporting requirements. The bill now moves to Gov. DeSantis for approval.
