Michigan Gov. Snyder has made himself available to the media before, during, and after the 'right-to-work' drama in the state.
He's getting his message out that he believes "more and better jobs" will come to Michigan as a result.
Marketplace's Jeremy Hobson spoke with Gov. Snyder this morning about why right-to-work suddenly popped up on his agenda. He told the public it wasn't on his agenda for more than a year.
And then last Thursday happened.
Here's the edited 3-and-a-half minute interview:
Hobson pressed Snyder on his argument that "thousands of jobs" have come to Indiana.
HOBSON: "So you're saying that by not requiring workers to pay union dues, that therefore companies are going to be more attracted to the state. Why would that be?" SNYDER: "That's a question for the companies." "But there is a strong sense, and companies do look at that. That's something we've suffered here, because I've had that discussion with companies where I've tried to get them to come here - and a number companies do, we've done well in Michigan in terms of being the come back state - but there are other companies that simply don't put us on their list of states to look at, and that will get resolved with this question at least with respect to this particular topic."
When Hobson pointed out that union membership has dropped in Michigan and across the country and that has not translated into a huge boom in employment, Snyder responded that it has worked in Indiana.
Michigan Radio's Tracy Samilton pointed out on Stateside recently that it's too early to tell what's going on in Indiana:
"We're relying on what the Indiana Economic Development said. The problem is they only passed this law in March and the guidelines didn't go in effect until August. It does attract companies that are primarily interested in low-labor costs."
When asked if he has talked to companies that what to locate in Michigan now:
"I haven't had time. I simply signed the legislation, so no I have not had that opportunity," Snyder said.
