A bill limiting bargaining between state agencies and public employee unions has been approved by the Kansas Senate Commerce Committee.

The bill would also prevent employee unions from collecting dues through paycheck deductions and keep state agencies and school districts from making many other paycheck deductions, including allowing contributions to charities such as the United Way.

Aileen Cray, Executive Director of the Junction City/Geary County United Way explained that the bill would have an impact on their outcome at the end of the year.

“Right now about 10 percent of our campaign total comes from payroll deductions from particularly our school district, state employees as well as if it ever impacts Geary County employee’s,” said Cray.

Cray is encouraging everyone to support the United Way by contacting you local legislators by phone, mail or e-mail.

“All of us across the state, through our state Association, are contacting our local board members and local folk’s asking people to contact the legislators.”

The bill go next to the full Senate for debate.