Tom Underwood, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, released the following statement this morning in response to Gov. Matt Bevin signing House Bill 1, legislation making Kentucky the nation’s 27th right-to-work state:
“This is a big deal not only for small business but also for every business and employee in the commonwealth. As the last non-right-to-work state in the South, Kentucky was not competitive as a business location.
“‘Right-to-work’ means exactly what it says: You have a right to work. If you want to join a union, you’re free to join a union. What’s changed is that you don’t have to join a union and pay union dues in order to get a job and provide for your family.
“Becoming a right-to-work state is going to help Kentucky become more competitive regionally and nationally. Employers look at a state’s right-to-work status when deciding where to locate or expand. Being a right-to-work state is going to help us attract and keep big employers, and that’s going to create more opportunities for small, family businesses.
“On behalf of our members, I want to thank the primary bill sponsor, House Speaker Jeff Hoover, House majority leadership, other co-sponsors, and the General Assembly for making right-to-work a priority and passing House Bill 1 so quickly, and I want to thank Governor Bevin for signing it into law.”