Democrats Skeptical Over Rauner 'Fair Share' Dues Order

NPR Illinois | 91.9 UIS | By Associated Press

Published February 10, 2015 at 6:54 AM CST

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says his legal staff is reviewing an executive order issued by Gov. Bruce Rauner that eliminates dues paid by workers who aren't public union members.

Rauner says 6,500 state employees are forced to pay ``fair share'' fees at an

average of $577 a year for each worker.

Cullerton is a Chicago Democrat. He and others are skeptical about whether the

Winnetka Republican has the legal ability to challenge the fee. Unions have

fired back at the governor, saying they intend to work to have the order

reversed.

Rauner calls the union dues a ``critical cog in the corrupt bargaining that is

crushing taxpayers.''

The move continues Rauner's campaigning against public unions. He contends they

hold back economic growth and have too much political influence.