Proposition 32, on the November ballot in California, would prohibit payroll-deducted funds to be used for political purposes. This would greatly affect the ability of the California Teachers Association and other public sector unions to project political power, so it’s high on their list for defeat.

CTA made quick use of the $5 million check it just received from the National Education Association by depositing it – and $2.5 million more - into the No on 32 campaign. But that will hardly be the extent of CTA’s ballot initiative spending. The union’s board of directors has already authorized an additional $9 million for use both to defeat Prop 32 and to pass Prop 30, the sales and income tax initiative.