Staff Reports
Massachusetts, renowned for its iconic Red Sox and clam chowder, has added another feather to its cap—significant union political spending. According to a recent report by the Commonwealth Foundation, the state has secured a coveted position in the top 10 for union political expenditure, tallying an impressive $3.6 million. Unsurprisingly, the lion's share of these funds found its way into Democratic coffers. A revelation that surprises precisely no one.
The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) spearheaded Massachusetts' union spending frenzy by contributing a substantial $825,000 to endorse Fair Share Massachusetts. Their investment supported the "Fair Share Amendment," a modest 4% surtax on incomes surpassing $1 million. Thanks to this influx of union funding, voters unwittingly endorsed the amendment in November 2022. Democracy in action, some might say.
But the plot thickens. The SEIU also directed $440,000 toward Raise Up Massachusetts, the enthusiastic proponent of the millionaire's tax. Because, of course, who wouldn't relish a classic tax on success?
Report: Massachusetts among top states for union political contributionshttps://t.co/hk6XUQnqDm
— The Center Square (@thecentersquare) December 13, 2023
The National Education Association (NEA) entered the fray, injecting a whopping $3 million in membership dues into Fair Share Massachusetts. And what was the cause célèbre for Fair Share Massachusetts, you inquire? You guessed it—the millionaire's tax. A discernible pattern, no doubt.
Not to be overlooked, government unions flexed their financial muscles, contributing a generous $403,000 to Vote Yes for Work and Family. This group advocates for universal driver's licenses, regardless of immigration status—a concept that may raise eyebrows in the pursuit of the American identity.
And the largesse continued. State Sen. Jason Lewis, a Democrat, received a tidy $5,000 from these benevolent unions. But who's keeping count? Surely, such contributions won't sway his decision-making in any conceivable manner. Unsurprisingly, the Commonwealth Foundation uncovered that a staggering 95.7% of these contributions flowed into Democratic coffers. Color us stunned.
David Osborne, senior fellow of Labor Policy at the Commonwealth Foundation, aptly summarized the situation, noting, "Massachusetts exceeds expectations in terms of union political spending, with PAC spending overwhelmingly favoring Democrats at a ratio of 99-1." Osborne further emphasized the evident affinity of public-sector union leaders for expansive government and increased taxes—an enduring cycle.
Zooming out to the national landscape, the union spending extravaganza continued, with the four largest government unions collectively injecting a staggering $708 million into the 2021-22 election cycle. A substantial sum drawn from hardworking individuals' membership dues. Who needs new shoes when you can finance political candidates and causes, right?
In conclusion, Massachusetts rides the crest of the union money wave, and the destination of these funds is crystal clear. Perhaps in the future, taxpayers will find themselves bankrolling an even more expansive spending spree. Ah, the democratic experience!
