Michael D. "Stew" Stewart

Right to Work Reality Check

As Governor Daniels prepares for his final State of the State address this evening, it’s time for a reality check on Indiana’s chief executive. In his TV ads pushing for the so called the “Right to Work” law, which are being paid for by secret donors that he refuses to name, and in speeches and interviews, the governor is continuing to peddle unsubstantiated claims and fuzzy math to try to make his point.

Study after study, including one that came out earlier this week from the University of Notre Dame, prove that this proposal lowers wages and living standards for working people, and actually has anet negative economic impact on the states that have passed it.

Regardless of what Governor Daniels says on TV or in tonight’s State of the State address about this legislation, here are the facts:
THE FACTS:

• Employer surveys show RTW is not important to employers’ decisions about where to locate – especially for higher-tech, higher-wage manufacturers. When asked, state officials have admitted that they are unable to produce documentation such as names of companies or anonymous survey data supporting the claim that the state is losing one-third of prospective business deals because the state lacks RTW. In the last two years Indiana has added twice as many manufacturing jobs as all the midwest RTW states combined. (IA, SD, ND, NE, KS)

• The last state to adopt RTW – Oklahoma (in 2001) — has seen the number of manufacturing jobs in its state, and the number of new companies coming in to the state, both fall by one-third in the decade since they adopted RTW.  They made the same claims as Gov Daniels is now making — but in reality those claims proved totally false

• Economic Policy Institute research finds that RTW laws do not boost employment growth, may actually harm a state’s economic prospects, and can lower wages

• RTW will cut wages and benefits in Indiana without bringing in new jobs.  Maybe that’s why a majority of people in the state told pollsters they oppose the policy.

The truth is, hardworking Hoosier families need real solutions to the job crisis, not more of the same old politics. Gov. Daniels should put an end to his misleading, partisan attacks and instead bring people of both sides together to create quality jobs and put people back to work.

Preparation is Key to Safe Winter Travel in Indiana

Leigh DeNoon

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – It has been one of the mildest winters so far in decades, but you know what they say about Indiana weather: Wait a few minutes – it will change. Greg Seiter of the AAA Hoosier Motor Club says now is the time to make sure you and your vehicle are prepared to deal with cold, snow and ice.

Checking the battery and charging system is important, he says.

“You want to look at those battery terminals and cable ends, just to make sure that they’re free of corrosion. In addition, inspect your drive belts. Look at the underside of accessory drive belts for cracks or fraying.”

Seiter encourages Hoosiers not to be lax in preparing a winter survival kit for their vehicles.

“We would advise a bag of abrasive material – either sand, salt or kitty litter, or even traction mats – that you can use. A small snow shovel can come in handy. Also, a flashlight with extra batteries.”

Some water, non-perishable food and your cell phone and charger are other essentials for longer road trips this winter, Seiter adds.

Another important tip he offers is to pay attention to the weather forecast before leaving on a trip.

“Monitor the weather – also road conditions and construction. Even at this time of year, there can be construction delays. It’s important to be aware of those, too.”