Don’t let the union pick your politics: Request your PAC refund today

Education Minnesota charges member teachers and education support professionals (ESPs) $25 to support its political action committee (PAC). The PAC deduction is treated as part of union dues, so teachers cannot choose to opt-out of the deduction once and for all.

If Minnesota’s educators want to protect their right to not fund the union’s PAC, they can request a refund of the forced contribution. Refund request forms are available in the union’s magazine Minnesota Educator (p. 18).

The union must receive the refund request form by October 31 for continuing members or within 30 days of signing a membership application for new members.

Once the form is filled out, mail it to:

Education Minnesota Accounting Department
Attn: Refund Request
41 Sherburne Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55103-2196

Again, the union must receive the form by October 31, so don’t wait until the last minute to send it in.

Over the last 10 years, Education Minnesota’s PAC has contributed nearly $6.6 million to Democrats compared to $55,000 to Republicans. That is over 99.9% to one political party and does not include other means of political support such as phone banking, mailers, and advertising.

Teachers don’t need to support political candidates or causes they disagree with. Many teachers believe union dues should be spent on improving schools, not political agendas.

We believe the union should collect PAC money separate from the union membership card and not have it be an assumed contribution, as the refund request process places an additional burden on educators and doesn’t respect teachers’ varying political ideologies. Let the union know its politics don’t speak for you; request your PAC refund today.

Reach out to us at [email protected] if you have questions about the refund process.