Today Americans for Tax Reform applauded Governor Mitch Daniels and the state's Republican legislature for making Indiana the 23rd Right to Work state in the country. It is the first rust belt state to pass such a law.

Right to Work eliminates the ability of unions to require the payment of union dues upon employment. This practice is an assault on worker freedom and harmful to business competitiveness and economic growth.

America's booming economic regions are largely Right to Work. States in the South and West such as Texas, Georgia and Florida have seen dynamic growth while the forced unionization states of the Midwest and Northeast have languished.

A recent study on the 2010 Census showed that 7 of the 8 states gaining Congressional seats - and population - are Right to Work. 8 of the 10 states losing seats are forced unionization.

ATR President Grover Norquist issued the following statement:

“Mitch Daniels has cemented his legacy as a pro-jobs, pro-freedom governor with today's Right to Work news. Indiana has weathered the recent economic downturn better than most of its neighbors, in large part because of the fiscal prudence of the governor and the Republican legislature. But the lasting accomplishment is Right to Work, which will ensure worker freedom and economic growth for generations.

“While Pat Quinn's Illinois continues to tax and spend itself into oblivion at the behest of union bosses, Mitch Daniels' Indiana stands as an example for the entire Midwest.

“I also commend Speaker Brian Bosma, a true leader in this fight. His advocacy on behalf of Indiana workers and businesses suggests he has a bright future in Republican politics."

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Posted by Joshua Culling on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 4:10 PM EST

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