Hot Topic: Could end of Roe give R.I. a boost?

HOT TOPIC

Could end of Roe give R.I. a boost?

BY JACQUELYN VOGHEL | Voghel@PBN.com

WITH THE U.S. SUPREME COURT overturning Roe v. Wade, some observers say the contentious decision could make Rhode Island and other states in the Northeast with abortion protections more attractive to companies and skilled workers looking to move.

[access to abortion] seriously.” Gov. Daniel J. McKee has not said that Rhode Island will follow Baker’s lead, but a spokesperson for the governor, Alana O’Hare, said that McKee “would welcome individuals and employers who want to relocate to Rhode Island and live in a state that protects a woman’s right to choose.”

But others note that any migration McKee has recently faced criticism would depend on whether workers for not enforcing insurance coverage and companies see the state as afford- on abortions through state and Medicable and business-friendly. aid plans, but he has also taken steps

The Ocean State’s existing repro- to protect those who come here from ductive-rights law “suggests that out of state to seek an abortion. this is a more attractive state, a work On July 5, McKee signed an execuenvironment for talented profession- tive order establishing legal protecals, and a great place to work that sup- tions for individuals who come to ports women and their families,” said Rhode Island seeking reproductive Susan McTiernan, dean of the Roger health services, as some fear that indiWilliams University School of Business viduals crossing state lines may face and associate professor of manage- retribution in their home states. ment. “That’s a pretty powerful The measure also protects Rhode message for women who have choices Island-based providers who perform about where they want to live, reproductive health care and where they want to work.” services for out-of-state

But other factors, such as individuals. It will ensure a high cost of living in Rhode they don’t lose their Island, may deter people from professional licenses or moving to the state despite its have out-of-state charges protections on abortion access, brought against them. n a local economist says. States often upheld as having strong abortion-rights protections in place, such as Rhode Island, Massachusetts and California, “are not inexpensive,” said Leonard Lardaro, a professor of economics at the University of Rhode Island. “And all those states with the lowest cost of living are the ones that are banning abortion. “That’s the real challenge,” he said. “As far as individuals moving out of necessity and pure fear of retribution legally, that could be enough to tip the balance.” But factors such as the state’s business climate could deter employers from coming to the Ocean State if they look to move or expand, Lardaro says. “I don’t look for firms rushing to come here, even if they like some elements of [the state], because our business climate isn’t up to spec,” Lardaro said. “And during this whole crisis, our elected officials have done painfully little with our business climate … Rhode Island is first in, last out of national economic weakness.” Still, Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker sees an opening. He said recently that the Bay State might actively encourage employers in states that have banned abortion to move to Massachusetts, calling this potential workforce shift a “big opportunity here for Massachusetts to encourage some employers to either come here or expand their footprint here, as we are a state that takes ‘That’s a pretty powerful message for women who have choices about where they want to live.’

SUSAN MCTIERNAN, Roger Williams University School of Business dean and associate professor of management

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