After debates, speeches and conversations with constituents, one local representative said she's hopeful she will receive Senate approval for a bill designed to give more power to members of public employee unions.

Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, Mo., is the sponsor of House Bill 1617, or the Paycheck Protection Act, as it's commonly called by supporters. The bill would require unions to seek annual written permission from members to continue deducting dues automatically from the workers' paychecks. The same requirements would have to be met before the union could spend the dues on political activities.

First responders, police and firefighters are exempt.

Many have been critical of the bill, arguing workers can opt out of union dues or political fund contributions at any time. But Rehder said after hearing about a friend's experience in opting out of a union, she realized it wasn't always a simple process. She said her friend chose to leave the union because of its support for candidates and issues she disagreed with, but it took three months to stop dues from being taken from her pay.

"So this bill protects that. It puts it all back on the worker. It gives them annual authorization to be able to just sign it without intimidation," Rehder said. "Everyone's doing it at the same time, so it's not like you have to go back into that union leader's office three times or call them three times."

She also said the bill will help the state stay more competitive by attracting more businesses. She said Missouri's labor laws are "antiquated" and might deter businesses from expanding or looking to relocate in the state.

Since the bill was introduced and approved in the state House on April 3, Rehder said constituent response has been "very good." A few union members in her district have even made a point to thank Rheder for supporting the measure.

But work remains in educating people about the bill and its goals, she said. Another representative shared a concern from his constituents that the bill would decrease workplace safety.

"This is simply an annual, signed authorization," Rehder said. "It's not cumbersome. It's the same thing as checking the box on your insurance or your 401k saying, 'Yes, I want to continue doing this.'"

She said it also gives employees a chance to speak with their spouses to decide whether paying union dues for another year is something they can afford. Should an employee decide it's not affordable, Rehder said the bill allows them to stop those payments without worrying about intimidation, peer pressure or judgment.

The bill is being debated in committee in the Senate, but could be voted out of committee as soon as next week. The bill then must be debated on the Senate floor before the final vote. If it receives final approval, the bill then goes to a vote of the people on the August ballot.

Rehder said the key is making efforts to educate the public and other representatives on the bill and its goals before the vote takes place.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Sikeston, Mo.