Michigan Freedom Fund, headed by a DeVos associate, airs ads supporting right to work

moremijobs.jpg A banner hangs from the Michigan Capitol on Tuesday night.

LANSING -- A new group calling itself the the "Michigan Freedom Fund" has begun running radio and television ads in support of "right-to-work" legislation.

The advocacy organization, run by Greg McNeilly, an employee of Dick DeVos' Windquest Group, yesterday announced a 60-second statewide radio ad, and The Detroit Free Press reports that one of the first television commercials ran in the metro area last night.

A right-to-work law would prohibit unions from requiring employees to pay dues as a condition of employment. UAW President Bob King has compared potential legislation to a "war on workers," and unions say it would hurt their ability to fight for employee wages and benefits.

The new ads frame the contentious debate in the context of freedom.

"Joining a union -- or choosing not to join -- should be every individual workers choice," Greg McNeilly, president of the Michigan Freedom Fund, said in a release announcing the radio spots. "Workplace freedom and equality safeguards workers' rights to bargain collectively and means more jobs. That's a win-win."

McNeilly previously served as executive director of the Michigan Republican Party and campaign manager for gubernatorial candidate Dick DeVos. He also works for The Windquest Group, an investment firm founded by DeVos.

Gov. Rick Snyder, who has long said that right-to-work legislation is not on his agenda, appeared to shift his position last night, acknowledging that the issue is on the agenda.

The governor said the discussions with political and labor leaders are ongoing, but he did not rule out the possibility that Republican lawmakers may attempt to introduce and approve right-to-work legislation during the current "lame-duck" session.

"The Michigan labor movement remains committed to working with anyone who prioritizes the creation of family-sustaining jobs instead rather than partisan politics," Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swift said in response. "Ordinary citizens across the state are counting on their elected officials to hear them out on this issue, and will continue to make their voices heard."

Shortly after Snyder spoke with reporters, a large banner was seen hanging from the state Capitol promoting a Michigan Freedom Fund website also referenced in the new commercials.

Check out the television spot below.

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