Though Out Numbered, Right To Work States Lead in Prosperity

Another economic study demonstrates that states that enact Right to Work laws have more prosperity, jobs and economic growth than states dominated by Big Labor.

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) announced the release of the highly anticipated fifth edition of Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index. This report explains how state policymakers can most effectively drive economic growth and improve the standard of living for their citizens.

The publication outlines two sets of state rankings. An economic performance ranking is based on the past 10 years of economic data and takes into consideration income, population, and job growth. An economic outlook ranking uses 15 equally weighted policy variables, including various tax rates, regulatory burdens, and labor policies. This year, Utah ranked first in the nation, while New York ranked dead last.

Other leading growth states are South Dakota, Virginia, Wyoming and North Dakota — all Right to Work states.  The poorest states — Hawaii, Maine, Illinois, Vermont and New York all are Big Labor dominated and have refused to empower workers with Right to Work protections.