HARRISBURG— Business-backed legislation that would restrict labor union deductions from the paychecks of unionized public employees is advancing in the Pennsylvania state Legislature.

The bill passed the House State Government Committee, 14-9. It passed along partisan lines, with Republicans supporting it and Democrats opposed.

Under the bill, state and local governments would be allowed to continue the practice of deducting a “fair share” amount that is supposed to pay just for the cost of representing employees.

But it would stop the practice of deducting other voluntary amounts, including union dues that pay for issues advocacy and political action committee contributions.

NEW YORK — Avon Products says it will cut another 600 jobs as it tries to reduce its spending.The direct seller of cosmetics said Monday that most of the eliminated jobs will be in its corporate organization and its North American business.Avon Products Inc.'s sales have been steadily dropping. Under Sheri McCoy, who became CEO in 2012, Avon has cut costs, slashed jobs and left unprofitable markets.Avon is trying to trim $400 million in spending by 2016 and says the latest cuts should contribute $50 million to $55 million in annual savings.

WASHINGTON — Sales of previously owned U.S. homes posted the best monthly gain in nearly three years in May, providing hope that housing is beginning to regain momentum lost over the past year.The National Association of Realtors reported Monday that sales of existing homes increased 4.9 percent last month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.89 million homes.