john_thrasher.jpgTALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) _ The Senate Budget committee has approved a measure prohibiting state and local governments from deducting union dues from employee paychecks if the money is used for political activity.

The bill (SB 830) was narrowly voted up by a tally of 11-8.

State Sen. John Thrasher is sponsoring the bill. The St. Augustine Republican says he just wants to get government out of the business of collecting union dues. But union representatives say the proposal is to punish the unions.

A committee agenda shows that the measure now will go to a roll-call vote on the Senate floor. It has a companion bill in the House.