The state of Florida is taking legal action against the Biden administration, alleging that federal grants are being withheld due to the state’s recently enacted laws aimed at curbing union power. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the lawsuit, claiming that the White House has overstepped its bounds by threatening to withhold federal grants over these laws.
“Florida passed laws to protect workers from being strong-armed by unions,” Moody declared, emphasizing the state’s commitment to safeguarding worker rights. She criticized President Biden’s administration, accusing it of attempting to impose unfavorable policies on states.
The contentious Senate Bill 256, signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in May, introduces several key provisions. Firstly, it prohibits public sector unions from automatically deducting dues from members’ paychecks, requiring members to opt-in for such deductions. Additionally, unions seeking to serve as bargaining agents must demonstrate that at least 60% of their members are actively paying dues.
Moody alleges that the Biden administration has threatened to withhold over $800 million in transportation funding as a consequence of Florida’s new laws.
“We’re pushing back against this overreach to protect our state’s autonomy and Florida workers,” Moody stated emphatically, underscoring the state’s resolve in defending its policies.
Federal authorities had previously raised concerns about Florida’s laws, prompting the state to offer temporary waivers for public transportation employees. However, these waivers were not accepted by the Department of Labor as sufficient compliance with federal regulations, putting the disbursement of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding at risk.
The lawsuit targets the Departments of Transportation and Labor, as well as the Federal Transit Administration. It also names Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su as defendants. The primary aim of the lawsuit is to prevent federal agencies from withholding funds and to challenge the constitutionality of the federal statutes cited by the Labor Department.
As this legal battle unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state governments over a range of policy issues, underscoring the broader debate over the balance of power and states’ rights.
Florida Challenges Biden Administration Over Union Laws in Federal Lawsuit
The state of Florida is taking legal action against the Biden administration, alleging that federal grants are being withheld due to the state’s recently enacted laws aimed at curbing union power. Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced the lawsuit, claiming that the White House has overstepped its bounds by threatening to withhold federal grants over these laws.
“Florida passed laws to protect workers from being strong-armed by unions,” Moody declared, emphasizing the state’s commitment to safeguarding worker rights. She criticized President Biden’s administration, accusing it of attempting to impose unfavorable policies on states.
The contentious Senate Bill 256, signed into law by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in May, introduces several key provisions. Firstly, it prohibits public sector unions from automatically deducting dues from members’ paychecks, requiring members to opt-in for such deductions. Additionally, unions seeking to serve as bargaining agents must demonstrate that at least 60% of their members are actively paying dues.
Moody alleges that the Biden administration has threatened to withhold over $800 million in transportation funding as a consequence of Florida’s new laws.
“We’re pushing back against this overreach to protect our state’s autonomy and Florida workers,” Moody stated emphatically, underscoring the state’s resolve in defending its policies.
Federal authorities had previously raised concerns about Florida’s laws, prompting the state to offer temporary waivers for public transportation employees. However, these waivers were not accepted by the Department of Labor as sufficient compliance with federal regulations, putting the disbursement of hundreds of millions of dollars in funding at risk.
The lawsuit targets the Departments of Transportation and Labor, as well as the Federal Transit Administration. It also names Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su as defendants. The primary aim of the lawsuit is to prevent federal agencies from withholding funds and to challenge the constitutionality of the federal statutes cited by the Labor Department.
As this legal battle unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions between federal and state governments over a range of policy issues, underscoring the broader debate over the balance of power and states’ rights.
