Late last year Common Sense in Government discovered SB 731, introduced by Senator Jason Allen and co-sponsored by several others, would legalize and legitimize the stealth unionization of 45,000 home healthcare workers in Michigan. Inside sources told us the bill was set to be taken up in committee for consideration in the Republican led Senate. This morning, a substitute for SB 731 was passed out of committee without the stealth unionization language, a victory for taxpayers.
“We are glad Senator Allen has realized the harm he was doing with the original version of Senate Bill 731,” says Wendy Day, President of Common Sense in Government, “We hope that all the Legislators do a better job monitoring the unintended consequences of bills they introduce”.
Senator Allen came under fire from Common Sense in Government and other liberty group when it became known that the original version of SB 731 would have resulted in a permanent $6.6 million giveaway of taxpayer money to the ACORN sister group, Service Employees International Union. The SEIU has recently been in the news after surrounding the home of a Bank of America Executive with 500 angry protesters, while the frightened son of the Executive hid inside.
By simply alerting the media, using auto-dial phone calls, and getting liberty groups involved, Common Sense in Government successfully put enough pressure on Senator Allen to stop SB 731.
Multiple bills are moving through the Legislature that would prevent the kind of giveaway unions are getting through the shady unionization of daycare workers and home healthcare workers. This is good news for both workers in these industries and taxpayers, who are footing the bill.
“We are glad this issue is finally gaining some traction with the politicians. It is proof that concerned citizen activists can make a difference. From legalizing the forced unionization of home healthcare workers to working to outlaw the practice, that is hope and change I can believe in,” says Day.
