Indiana Republicans have fulfilled their pledge to save the state’s economy by jamming their wrong-headed right-to-work legislation on hard-working Hoosiers.
The political party that rails at government regulation, whenever convenient, saw fit to bring Indiana closer to becoming the 23rd state to pass a law that prevents private-sector labor unions from charging dues in exchange for bargaining representation. Gov. Mitch Daniels announced his flip-flop on the bill in December, admitting he opposed it in 2006, then changed his mind as he saw the state’s economy stagger under his watch.
Daniels, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and other party faithful say businesses and industries were bypassing Indiana in favor of bringing fresh jobs to other states that had right-to-work laws.
Predictably, the vote in both chambers fell largely down party lines, with the exception of the Northwest Indiana delegation, which largely opposed it. It passed the Senate by a 28-22 margin and the House, 54-44. Look for Daniels to sign the bill quickly next week before the Super Bowl to avoid any embarrassing media moments as the national spotlight turns to Indianapolis.
Make no mistake, Indiana Republicans’ infatuation with right-to-work is part a national conservative agenda aimed at weakening unions, which largely support Democrats.
Many economists say right-to-work has little effect on a state’s economy and unemployment rate. It could, however, have a big impact come November.