A federal judge has blocked a proposed Arizona law that would impose restrictions on payroll deductions from the paychecks of union employees. The law, crafted by Sen. Frank Antenori, R-Tucson, prohibits employers from deducting money that might be used for political purposes from an employee’s paycheck unless the employer obtains written or electronic permission. This permission would have to be reaffirmed on an annual basis.

U.S. District Court Judge Murray Snow said the law unfairly singles out unions &#8211 and, specifically, their political activity &#8211 for unfair treatment. Snow pointed out that lawmakers are not creating similar hurdles for deductions for other purposes. The judge also pointed out that lawmakers specifically exempted unions that represent police, firefighters and corrections officers. Snow said picking and choosing who is affected is unconstitutional discrimination.

From EastValleyTribune.com.