Shocker: New "Right To Work" State Already Attracting New Business

Back on February 2nd, USA Today reported that Indiana had become the “rust belt’s” first right-to-work state, easing laws requiring mandatory union enrollment.

The state Senate voted 28-22 to pass the labor union bill as thousands of protesters packed Statehouse hallways, shouting their disapproval. Thousands more were outside waiting to get in.

Gov. Mitch Daniels signed the bill shortly thereafter without ceremony, making Indiana the 23rd state in the nation with such a law. Indiana also is the first state in the “Rust Belt” of the Midwest and Northeast to adopt the measure.

Under right-to-work laws, companies can no longer negotiate a contract with a union that requires non-members to pay fees for representation. The House earlier passed the measure 54-44.

Daniels and other Republican supporters characterized the measure as needed for Indiana to attract jobs.

Now, a month later, what’s happening in Indiana? Why, the state’s new right-to-work status is attracting new jobs:

An automaker is investing hundreds of millions and adding well more than a thousand positions at transmission and metal casting plants in Indiana.

Thursday morning, Chrysler announced it is adding 1,250 jobs to increase production of fuel-efficient transmissions in north-central Indiana. It’s also investing $374 million in area plants.

Just a coincidence, I’m sure.

It’s amazing what happens when policies embrace economic freedom and free choice.