The Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in one of the biggest cases of the term, one that could prove devastating to public-sector unions. The issue revolves around an employee for the state of Illinois who objects to having $45 a month taken out of his paycheck to support the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, explains SCOTUSblog. Mark Janus doesn't belong to the union and doesn't think it's fair he has to pay those dues. If his argument prevails, it could wipe out a vital source of funding tor public unions. Details and developments:
- The key vote: In this case, all eyes are on Neil Gorsuch, not Anthony Kennedy. Why? This same issue came before the court two years ago and seemed certain to end in a 5-4 defeat for the unions—until Antonin Scalia died, resulting in a 4-4 deadlock instead. Gorsuch is the only newcomer since that 4-4 result. A problem for readers of tea leaves: On Monday, he asked no questions during arguments, reports the AP.