Union Accountability
Transparency. Accountability. Fairness.
The New Jersey Policy Institute (NJPI) has submitted complaints with both federal and state regulators to ensure that the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) plays by the same rules as everyone else.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about trust. Teachers, parents, and taxpayers deserve honesty, transparency, and fairness from powerful institutions that shape New Jersey’s future.
Why NJPI Filed Complaints
Federal Complaint (IRS)
NJPI has asked the Internal Revenue Service to investigate the NJEA for failing to disclose over $100 million in political spending on its required tax filings. Union officials funneled members’ mandatory dues into political campaigns, but never properly reported that spending as political activity — a clear violation of federal tax disclosure requirements, we believe.
State Complaint (ELEC)
NJPI also submitted a request for investigation to the New Jersey Election Law Enforcement Commission (ELEC). NJPI believes the evidence shows that NJEA used two apparently related or affiliated entities to make double the legal maximum contribution to its then-President’s campaign for governor. State election law prohibits such maneuvers, which undermine fairness and accountability in elections.
The Bigger Picture
These aren’t technicalities. They represent a systemic breakdown in transparency. Teachers were told their dues would not be donated to political campaigns. Taxpayers were left in the dark about who was really financing a candidate for governor. This pattern erodes public trust in both unions and the democratic process.

Why This Matters
For Teachers: Your dues should support your profession, not be diverted into political campaigns without your knowledge.
For Taxpayers: Transparency in campaign finance is essential to accountable government.
For Elections: Every candidate must follow the same rules. When one organization bends or breaks them, it creates an uneven playing field.
For the Future: Strong unions can play a positive role in education — but only if they operate within the law.
NJPI’s Role
NJPI is a nonprofit committed to accountability and fairness in public policy. With representation from the Fairness Center, a nonprofit law firm that helps those hurt by public-sector union officials, we submitted these complaints to ensure the law is enforced.
But our mission doesn’t stop there. We want to work with teachers, parents, policymakers, and other willing stakeholders to develop reforms that prevent this kind of abuse in the future. Transparency and accountability benefit everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
NJPI promotes transparency and accountability in government and education. When the state’s largest union appears to misuse dues and ignore the law, it harms teachers, students, and taxpayers alike.
NJEA allegedly:
- Violated federal tax law by failing to disclose more than $100 million in political spending.
- Violated state election law by contributing more than the legal limit to a gubernatorial campaign through related or affiliated entities.
Yes, but it must be reported accurately, and spending limits must be respected. NJEA appears to have ignored both requirements.
Teachers’ mandatory dues were spent on politics without proper disclosure or consent. Many teachers may disagree with how their money was used.
Taxpayers deserve to know how powerful special interests influence elections. Hidden spending undermines the integrity of the democratic process.
Our goal is to restore transparency, ensure compliance with the law, and promote reforms that protect both union members and the public.
No. NJPI supports fairness. We believe unions can be strong advocates for their members — but no organization should be above the law.
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Accountability is a shared responsibility. NJPI is committed to working collaboratively with all willing partners to bring fairness and transparency back to New Jersey’s public life.
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