Teacher unions spent over $1B on political causes since 2015

(The Center Square) – National teachers unions have spent over $1 billion on political activity and advocacy since 2015, according to a new report by Defending Education. Both reports, shared with The Center Square, found the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association together directed $669 million in federal political spending and an additional $336 million in state and local spending. The total includes member dues, political action committee contributions and Committee on Political Education funds. Teachers’ unions collect COPE and PAC dollars separately from their dues and fees. Defending Education says the funds were directed to political campaigns, nonprofit advocacy groups, school board races and efforts opposing school choice legislation. Rhyen Staley, research director at Defending Education, told The Center Square in an exclusive interview that the findings raise concerns about how un