Citizens of Utah, look out: The largest union in the U.S. and one of the most powerful political forces in the nation is dumping massive contributions into Utah to end school choice.

I was born and raised in Utah, and have returned every year since marrying and moving away. My family has deep roots here and Utah will forever be in my prayers. But my heart aches when I think of how powerful out-of-state special interest groups are trying to ruin our children's education.

Passing Utah's universal school voucher bill was an important triumph for parents, children and the conservative movement. Parents were given the right to decide how their children are educated. But now, through a referendum, the National Education Association wants to take away your right of choice.

On August 29, the Wall Street Journal told the story of the Utah Education Association's march to the NEA convention in Philadelphia. Its mission was to secure at least $3 million to fight school choice. According to the Education Intelligence Agency Web site, the request has been approved by the NEA leadership.

What's the key to a successful referendumfi Money and lots of it! Since less than five percent of UEA members agree with the UEA's political agenda, and contribute to its political action committee, it's highly unlikely they will bring in the money they need. Instead, the UEA is relying on the NEA to bail them out.

With these large contributions, the NEA is sending a clear message to Utah parents: You don't know what's best for your children, but we do! Most likely, the money will be spent on showing citizens misleading figures and half truths against vouchers and choice.

The NEA takes dues from teachers across America. Teachers in states without special paycheck protection laws are unknowingly supporting the destruction of school choice for my friends and family in Utah.

The NEA has a long history of campaigns against school choice. In fact, they have spent millions of dollars to fight choice in states such as California, Michigan, New Jersey, Colorado, and Wisconsin.

The NEA has also spent generously in Utah.

In February 2002, they spent $47,500 in Utah to defeat tuition tax credit legislation.

In March and April 2002, the NEA paid $23,800 for a poll to support a tax increase and then spent $300,000 to jumpstart the campaign.

The NEA knows what will happen to their state affiliate, UEA, if they lose this campaign. By allowing parents access to education vouchers, the number of students in the public system would likely decrease, class sizes would shrink, and the financial crunch currently facing education would be limited. Also, as the number of students in the public school system decreases, less teachers will be needed. As the number of teachers goes down, the union loses income and influence.

This fight isn't about improving education for our children and grandchildren. Instead it's a cleverly aimed campaign to provide job security for public school employees and union officials.

I worry about the future of Utah's children if the NEA is successful in destroying choice. School vouchers allow parents to decide on an education that best suits their children. Parents deserve the right to send their children to the school of their choice. If we really want to improve the education of Utah's children, parents must have choice.

Alexandra Condas Ockey can be reached at alexockey@comcast.net

This story appeared in The Daily Herald on page A5.

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