Thursday, April 7, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Major Win for Taxpayers with the Passage of SB 1166
PHOENIX, ARIZONA- Taxpayers in Arizona can take comfort in knowing their hard-earned dollars will be used for public good and not for the political agendas of labor unions, thanks to SB 1166, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tempore Vince Leach (R-11).
On Wednesday, Governor Doug Ducey signed the bill into law that would prohibit a public employer from using public monies or employees for union activities. If a public employer is found in violation, the Attorney General and any Arizona resident has the power to file a lawsuit and the opportunity to recoup any fees or costs associated with the case.
"It's a really simple notion: government workers should be paid for the job in which they are hired to do and not to advocate for the election or defeat of any political candidates, ballot measures nor legislation," said Sen. Leach. "This is not a new problem for Arizona, but it is one that we are finally going to put an end to. Taxpayer money should advance public interests, not the lobbying activities of labor unions. When these public employees are on the clock, they will work for the public. Anything less will come with consequences."
Law enforcement officers and paid firefighters are exempt from this new law.
This legislation will take effect 90 days after the legislature adjourns.
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For more information, contact:
Kim Quintero
Director of Communications
Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus
kquintero@azleg.gov