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Harper continues push to improve Kentucky’s business climate

– Decries state’s 45th ranking in new national survey –

LEXINGTON, Ky. — For months now Republican businessman and gubernatorial candidate Billy Harper has been traveling the state speaking to anyone who will listen about why Kentucky needs to overhaul its approach to economic development and has offered specific ideas on what he believes is the best approach.

A new national survey, unfortunately, shows how far Kentucky has fallen nationally in its efforts to recruit new businesses and attract new workers. The fourth annual Pollina Corporate Top 10 Pro-Business States study, recently released by economist Ron Pollina, ranked Kentucky 45 out of 50 states for its business friendliness.

The study examines twenty-nine factors related to a state’s economic climate and is limited to factors over which state government has control. According to the survey, the ranking is a reflection of state leaders’ understanding of the best job creation activities available for their constituents. The states were ranked based on the most cost effective pro-business location and other factors important to corporate executives.

“Unfortunately, Kentucky has one of the worst business climates in the nation. We tax businesses even if they’re unprofitable, and we don’t give employees the opportunity to decide whether they want to join a union,” said Harper. “It’s time for a new approach to economic development and job creation in this state. It’s time we put Kentucky back on track toward greatness.”

For more information about the study, please go to www.pollina.com/publications/probiz~1.htm

Kentucky currently imposes the Alternative Minimum Tax on businesses regardless of whether or not they make a profit. Harper, a business owner and employer, has led the fight to repeal the AMT and supports making Kentucky a right-to-work state. The top twelve states in the Pollina study have right-to-work laws that allow workers to decide if they want to join a union.

“As a business owner and employer, I believe the right-to-work issue is more about marketing than it is about labor. I operate businesses with union and non-union workers, and there simply is no difference between them as far as the bottom line is concerned,” Harper said. “We need to enact right-to-work legislation now to take advantage of the marketing opportunities it will provide this state. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”

For more information about Billy Harper and his campaign for governor, please visit the campaign online at www.harperforgovernor.com or contact Sam Edelen at (859) 266-2007.

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