RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Three dozen members of the state's quasi-teacher union who are also state employees can continue to have their dues removed from their paychecks, according to state Controller Linda Combs.

The so-called dues checkoff provision for the North Carolina Association of Educators has been the source of debate for some months. Those opposed say the NCAE does not meet the membership requirement for automatic deduction. The group refuses to release its membership numbers.

Still up in the air is whether NCAE members who are local employees can have their dues removed by payroll deduction.