The Sunlight Policy Center has released a research report alleging that New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) President Sean Spiller violated the union’s conflict of interest policy. The report claims that $40 million in teachers’ dues were used to support his gubernatorial campaign.
According to the report, the NJEA’s Super Political Action Committee (PAC), Garden State Forward, has directed substantial funds into promoting Spiller’s gubernatorial bid, despite internal policies against such conflicts. The organization reportedly utilized $40 million from mandatory teacher dues without transparent disclosure to its members. The New York Times reports that many educators remain unaware of this political spending due to a lack of official communication from the NJEA.
The Sunlight Policy Center states that as of April 2025, the NJEA allocated $40 million from teachers’ regular dues for Spiller’s campaign through Garden State Forward, with $17.25 million already transferred to a pro-Spiller PAC. This amount surpasses typical union political expenditures in state races and constitutes nearly 30% of the NJEA’s estimated annual $135 million dues intake. Reports indicate this is the largest sum ever committed by the NJEA to a single primary campaign.
A review by MyPayMySay reveals that union dues collected from public school teachers in New Jersey can exceed $1,200 annually per educator. These dues are generally deducted automatically from paychecks and cannot be opted out of for political use unless a teacher fully resigns from the union. This funding mechanism provides a steady revenue stream for initiatives like those supported through Garden State Forward.
Sunlight Policy Center was founded by Mike Lilley, former executive director of Better Education for New Jersey Kids, with an emphasis on enhancing transparency regarding public-sector unions’ influence in New Jersey politics. The organization advocates for policy reforms aimed at ensuring member accountability and fiscal responsibility within unions like the NJEA. Lilley has authored several reports examining the NJEA’s political activities and funding mechanisms.
