‘Tis the season for union officials and lobbyists representing public sector union employees to be swarming the Capitol now that there’s a new governor in town, and especially a new governor who received substantial campaign contributions from public sector unions.
On Feb. 10, a flyer was delivered to my office (and many offices of Republican House and Senate members) informing me that I am being watched by the Steelworkers.
While I appreciate their watchful eye and feel safer, they should take note that I am being just as observant.
My office location is right outside of the rotunda and if I go outside of my office and look down the hallway towards the governor’s office, which is at the opposite end of the building, the union officials and lobbyists representing public sector union employees are very noticeable.
Why would union officials and lobbyists representing public sector union employees be swarming the Capitol you may ask?
Well here’s a good reason…Governor Wolf took sizable campaign contributions from public sector unions so those unions are now looking for a return on their investment.
The return on investment comes in the form of pay increases for public sector union workers.
As the Commonwealth Foundation pointed out, Governor Wolf received more than $3.4 million dollars from twelve public sector unions.
AFSCME, UFCW, SEIU, and PSEA gave more than $2.36 million in direct PAC campaign contributions to Gov. Wolf’s gubernatorial campaign and gave millions more in indirect SuperPAC expenditures.
Most, if not all, of this money was deducted from paychecks of public sector union employees using taxpayers’ resources.
In the next three to four months, major public sector union contracts are up for renewal and public sector union officials are looking for pay increases for their members.
Governor Wolf will be the one negotiating the salaries, health insurance and other workplace benefits with the same people who donated so heavily to his campaign.
It is important to note that House and Senate members have no role or input when Governor Wolf negotiates with the public sector unions.
The increased wages that Governor Wolf will hand over to public sector unions will cost the taxpayers more money and the House and Senate will have to figure out how to pay the bill.
So here’s an interesting question – Pennsylvania has over a $2 Billion dollar plus shortfall and state workers are already making 15-25% more than private sector workers…why would pay increases be justified?
Your guess is as good as mine.
While the Steelworkers are committed to watching me, I am committed to watching your tax dollars and ensuring they are being spent wisely.
Stay tuned…
Pennsylvania State Sen. Scott Walker represents the 28th District.