SPRINGFIELD (May 14, 2015) – Today, the Illinois House of Representatives will vote on whether Illinois should adopt Right-to-Work laws that would enable workers to choose whether to join or pay dues to a union. Economic and legal experts from the Illinois Policy Institute are available to discuss how Right-to-Work laws can jump-start Illinois’ economy and help the struggling manufacturing sector in the state.

Illinois Policy Institute Director of Jobs and Growth, Michael Lucci’s take: “Today, nearly every one of Illinois’ neighboring states have Right-to-Work laws. Also, every one of Illinois’ neighboring states have gained people and jobs directly from Illinois. Right-to-Work laws enable workers to choose what is best for them in their job and would enable Illinois to attract businesses and jobs back into the state, instead of continually losing both to more competitive regions.”

Important facts on Right to Work:

• Twenty-five states across the country have statewide Right-to-Work laws.

• Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin and Iowa have Right-to-Work laws. Twelve Kentucky counties have enacted local Right-to-Work laws.

• Since Indiana enacted Right to Work in 2012, manufacturing payrolls have increased by 39,600 there. In the same time period, manufacturing payrolls have decreased by 3,500 in Illinois.

• Since Michigan enacted Right to Work in 2013, manufacturing payrolls have increased by 39,500 there. In the same time period, manufacturing payrolls have decreased by 4,600 in Illinois. Michigan has surpassed Illinois for total manufacturing jobs, even though their workforce is only three-fourths the size of Illinois’.

• Since 2005, union membership in states with Right-to-Work laws has increased while union membership has fallen in states with forced-union laws.

MEDIA CONTACT:  Nathaniel Hamilton 312-346-5700 x202