A shot to NH: Sturm, Ruger and right-to-work

The New Hampshire Union Leader, the state's paper of record, published an editorial addressing one of the many problems associated with being a forced-unionism state:  many businesses simply choose to build or expand elsewhere.

That's little surprise, because compulsory union dues tend to bring with them wasteful work rules, job featherbedding, a union-label hate-the-boss mentality, and all sorts of other problems that make it harder to do business -- and squander economic potential more broadly.

Furthermore, Right to Work laws are frequently compared to a state hanging an "open for business" sign -- they are an important signal used by businesses big and small, entrepreneurs, executives, and site-selection specialists to determine what sort of political climate to expect.

Ruger is a classic New England company, founded in Connecticut in 1949, and since grown to become the largest firearm manufacturer in the United States. Their Newport, NH location provides hundreds of good-paying jobs.

Many Granite Staters hoped that the expanding company would expand their footprint here in New Hampshire. Concluding their public search, though, Ruger ultimately declined. In his explanation, Kevin Reed -- general counsel and vice president of Ruger -- said "Right-to-work state was one of our criteria".

Until New Hampshire passes Right to Work, we'll keep missing out on critical opportunities for job growth.

Read the editorial in the Union Leader:
A shot to NH: Sturm, Ruger and right-to-work

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