EFF files complaint against NEA

National union engaged in illegal political activity in Washington state

OLYMPIA, WA – The Evergreen Freedom Foundation (EFF) today filed a complaint with the Washington State Attorney General against the National Education Association (NEA), charging the mammoth teachers’ union with violating Washington state campaign finance laws.

EFF, a long-time advocate of free speech and fair elections, alleges the NEA is operating an illegal, unregistered political action committee and illegally spending money taken from non-member (agency fee payer) teachers on politics without getting their authorization.

The complaint gives Attorney General Christine Gregoire 45 days to take action or allow EFF and teachers to file a lawsuit against the national union on behalf of the state.

EFF’s action comes after the NEA’s state affiliate (WEA) was sued by Gregoire for the second time in a period of four years due to EFF investigations and complaints. The recent lawsuit resulted in penalties against the union of $770,000 and a permanent court injunction requiring WEA to give thousands of Washington teachers a refund of 8% of their annual union dues for illegally spent fees.

The NEA was not a party to the lawsuit, but also refunded Washington teachers 8% of its annual $126 (per teacher) dues. Teachers in Washington pay an average of $683 each year in dues for all four levels of the union.

EFF’s investigations suggest the NEA’s refund should be much higher.

Bob Williams, EFF’s president and a former CPA and government auditor, has personally reviewed more than 40,000 internal union documents.

"The NEA should refund nearly 100% of the dues it collects from teachers," said Williams. "NEA officials admit they do not provide direct services to teachers. The NEA’s activity is primarily political."

Contact: Marsha Richards, Communications Director, (360) 956-3482

Evergreen Freedom Foundation P.O. Box 552, Olympia, WA 98507 Phone: (360) 956-3482, Fax: (360) 352-1874 Email: effwa@effwa.org