Unionized teachers in California may believe a minimal portion of their dues is earmarked for political activism. Many are under the impression their $20 contribution to support the California Teachers Association (CTA)’s advocacy is both voluntary and refundable.

But recent data from California’s Cal-Access Campaign and Lobbying webpage paints a different picture, exposing significant political expenditures by the CTA.
The union reports its political expenditures under three separate filings:

• The Issues Political Action Committee (PAC);
• The Association for Better Citizenship (ABC); and,
• The Independent Expenditure Committee (IEC).

From January to October 2024, these filings show more than $12 million in political contributions. The Issues PAC alone made an $830,000 contribution to the Democratic Party, while the ABC gave $287,000 to Democrats compared to just $21,425 to Republicans.

Additionally, the filings detail support for local school union elections, recall efforts and candidates running for state assembly and senate seats. Notably, every candidate endorsed by the CTA was a Democrat.

CTA’s political spending isn’t limited to direct campaign contributions, either. It also funds various advocacy efforts, including propositions on the 2024 ballot, local elections and union recalls. This suggests a highly strategic and coordinated approach to influencing California’s political landscape.

The total financial commitment represented by these contributions stands in stark contrast to the amount teachers are led to believe they’re obligated to fund for political purposes. Despite CTA’s claims that only a small fraction of union dues are directed toward political activism, the reality reflects much larger expenditures.

Which begs the question, why are union dues being used to fund political candidates and causes? CTA, as a powerful interest group, has significant influence over local and state politics. And its funding doesn’t come just from teachers aligned with the union’s political ideology.

The disparity between member understanding and actual spending, however, raises concerns about transparency and accountability within CTA.

Teachers who are uncomfortable with the way their dues are being used for political activism have options, including exercising their constitutional the right to resign their membership and stop paying dues designated for political spending

They can get this process started by visiting OptOutToday.com.

CTA’s political expenditures reveal a much larger scope of political activity than many unionized teachers realize. While the association’s stated contributions may appear minimal, the actual spending is substantial, and its political reach extensive.

Teachers don’t have to fund this activity. By understanding their rights and taking action, teachers can make informed decisions about how their dues are spent.