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RALEIGH – The General Assembly approved a bill this week that takes aim at the North Carolina Association of Educators. The bill would eliminate an option educators now have to directly deliver a portion of their pay checks to the NCAE.

"What they're doing is becoming a political machine for the left," expressed Republican House Speaker Rep. Thom Tillis.

The bill, which would remove the membership dues check off option, turned into a debate among lawmakers surrounding the NCAE's political party affiliation.

"If you chose to be a political organization, do not expect the legislature to enable that," said Tillis.

"Legislators, big old barrel chested fellows, decide they're going to pick on teachers and teachers aids around this state because they're mad because they don't agree with them politically,” said Democratic Sen. Martin Nesbitt, Senate Minority Leader. “That's insane."

The NCAE feels the GOP is attempting to prevent the organization from advocating for the public school system.

"What they're trying to do is silence our members because our members are the ones who are pointing out that their budget takes us to 49th in the country in per pupil funding," explained Scott Anderson, NCAE Executive Director.

The NCAE said dues range from $36 to $233 dollars a year and provide educators with advocacy, professional development services, and legal representation. If the bill passes, Anderson said members will receive the same support.

"Educators in North Carolina will continue to have us as a strong voice for them and to advocate for them. it will just change the way we collect our dues," said Anderson.

Tillis maintained the dues taken out of state pay checks are being used to support Democratic causes.

"If the average teacher knew how this money was being spent and who it was being given to, they may think twice," said Tillis.

Now the bill heads to Gov. Bev Perdue's desk, where she's expected to veto it.

"It seems to be yet another attack on teachers by the Republican-led General Assembly," said the Governor's Communications Director Chrissy Pearson.