Democratic leaders in the state Legislature say making Michigan a "right-to-work" state would give many families a reason to leave the state.
Supporters of Michigan being a right-to-work state say it would help attract businesses, especially if Indiana and other neighboring states also adopt right-to-work policies. And supporters cite examples of right-to-work states that have flourished because they got rid of compulsory union dues for workers.
Democratic House Minority Leader Rick Hammel said those examples are misleading.
“You can slant it whatever way you want, but there are other cases that show it’s not true," said Hammel. "If you’re looking for investment in the state, you want to make sure you have a great, healthy education system. We’ve done a horrible job of making sure we have that. You want to make sure you attract young, talented people… you’re pushing people away, but yet you think you can do it by a right-to-work law. That’s not going to happen.”
Hammel said he thinks the policies approved by Republican state lawmakers and Governor Rick Snyder will be unpopular with voters in Legislative elections this year.
