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What it takes to create jobs: Driver’s Licenses, Smoking Bans and Progressive Laws?

Michigan has one of, if not the worst economies in the country.  Recently, I was talking to a few people and I asked them what they would do to help turn Michigan’s economy around.  They said, we need to have more progressive laws in the state, loosen the restrictions on getting driver’s licenses and pass smoking bans in restaurants and bars.

No.  I’m serious.  That is what they said.  Smoking bans, driver’s licenses and progressive laws, which is usually “code” for higher taxes or punishing those who still earn money. 

That’s funny, I thought people were leaving Michigan in record numbers because there were no jobs to speak of, not because they couldn’t get a driver’s license or the bars were too smoky.  In fact, we have great public universities that are training the next generation of leaders who are fleeing the state in hopes of a better opportunity elsewhere.  They think driver’s licenses and smoking bans are driving people away? 

Puh-lease.

Here is a quick lesson on Business 101.  Who is the largest employer in the State?  Private industry.  The primary goal of any business is to make a profit.  Without profit it won’t be long until there is no more business.  So, business will continue to hire and keep employees as long as they are profitable.  If it becomes too expensive to operate a business in Michigan, the business will move out of state (ie auto industry to Tennessee) or outsource the jobs to a more profitable location.  This cannot be stopped through punitive taxation, bullying or through guilt and obligation.  People do what they think is in their best interest and business owners are people too.  I know that last sentence may take some time for some of you to understand, but take my word for it, it’s true.

For example, if a department store wants to attract more shopping they hold a sale.  The idea is to make it more attractive to buy in their store.  Guess what?  It works!  It will work for Michigan and our country as well.  Have a sale by lowering the taxes and getting rid of red tape in Michigan for businesses.  Make it more attractive to do business in this state than anywhere else in the world and the business will return.  Profits will return and businesses will hire individuals again.

Who knows, those new hires might even be able to afford a car and have a reason to get a driver’s license.

RJ Regan is the author of Gambling for Life: Swinging the odds in your favor for more money and great sex.  He is a resident of East Grand Rapids, MI, married to his sweetheart Julie, father of four, an entrepreneur, speaker and life coach.  His website is www.getyourpoopinagroup.com

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