[IASHRM] Right to Work Economic Development

[Larry Herzog]

To the editor:

 

In recent elections in Iowa, candidates from both parties have spent a lot
of time talking about the economy and good jobs.  Since Iowa hasn't enjoyed
the growth that many other states have, our state definitely needs to be
creative in finding ways to attract good jobs and people to fill them.    

 

To help grow the economy, Iowa created the Values Fund to entice companies
to move here.  It also helps existing companies expand and retrain their
workers here.  Adding more venture capital options, cutting taxes and tax
credits for new job creation are also positives.

 

With all the attention given to improving our state's economic
opportunities, I can't believe the legislature is serious about gutting
Iowa's Right to Work law. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the
rate of job growth in Right to Work states is 65 percent faster than
non-Right to Work states.  Growth in real personal income is 11 percent
higher in Right to Work states compared to non-Right to Work states. Being a
Right to Work state is one of the things that Iowa has done to differentiate
itself in attracting companies to look at locating here.  Many national
business site consultants say their clients tell them to only look at Right
to Work states.  

 

Despite the recent progress to grow, some sort of back door repeal of our
Right to Work law will give Iowa a black-eye for economic development.

 

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