JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A new business group opposed to an expansion of union organizing powers says it plans to be heavily involved in Missouri's U.S. Senate and House races.

The group, called the "Coalition to Protect Missouri Jobs," opposes a federal initiative to provide union organizers access to the phone numbers and email addresses of employees at specific companies. It also opposes measures allowing unions to organize smaller subgroups of employees and shortening the time frame before unionization elections.

The coalition announced its formation Tuesday at the Missouri Capitol.

Group director Jason Klindt said the coalition is funded by businesses and affiliated with the national Workforce Fairness Institute. He says the group wants to survey candidates about union issues and "will be highly involved in educating voters" about their positions.