So far, 10 percent of Kentucky's counties have held at least a first reading on a local right-to-work ordinance. Six counties have passed final readings and are beginning to reap the benefits that having a right-to-work policy brings, including being contacted by site selectors concerning company expansions and re-locations.Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce president Ron Bunch stated in a news release by Protect My Check -- part of a coalition of organizations, including the Bluegrass Institute, helping local communities pass right-to-work ordinances -- that Warren County, which passed the commonwealth's first local right-to-work ordinance on Dec. 19, is already under consideration for more than 15 new company projects representing more than 2,300 new jobs and $184 million in new investment.

"We knew passing Warren County's local right-to-work ordinance would have a profound impact on our economic development opportunities to benefit our entire local community, and we are thrilled to realize results so quickly," Bunch said. "For the first time in competing head-to-head against Tennessee counties, we don’t have to explain why they have right-to-work and we don’t. Bowling Green and Warren County have once again put themselves on the map as a business-friendly location and we are already seeing strong positive results.”

Warren County Judge-Executive Mike Buchanon said that while it's happening faster than expected, he's not surprised at the increased interest already being shown by companies in southcentral Kentucky.

"This is what happened in Indiana when they passed right-to-work," Buchanon said, noting that the Hoosier State reported 100 new projects worth $3 billion in new capital investment during the first year following passage of its law allowing individuals to make their own decisions regarding union membership and dues without the threat of penalty or losing their jobs.

Hoosiers' incomes also rose by $1,000 (plus the additional $500-$750 most former labor-union members reaped after deciding not to join a union or pay dues) -- negating the claims of labor-union bosses that right-to-work drives down wages and income.

* The six right-to-work counties in Kentucky are Warren, Simpson, Todd, Fulton, Hardin and Cumberland.

 * Six other counties have held first readings, including Pulaski, Logan, Butler, Adair, Whitley and Rockcastle.

Several other counties are considering right-to-work ordinances.Keep updated on county right-to-work ordinances on the Bluegrass Institute's www.freedomkentucky.org Wikipedia-style website here.

Judge-executives and fiscal court magistrates statewide who wish to find out more about local right-to-work ordinances may contact Bluegrass Institute president Jim Waters at jwaters@freedomkentucky.com.