Fair Share Bill's Second Challenge...

After facing and conquering a Veto in Maryland, the so called "Fair Share Bill", which forces employers with more than 10,000 employees to spend a minimum of 8 percent on health care, is facing yet another obstacle. Retailers are now very concerned with the recent trend of "Fair Share" laws being passed throughout the country (Maryland, New York City have passed; at least 30 states are drawing bills now). A trade group filed 2 lawsuits Tuesday against the bill to hopefully block the state and local governments from enforcing them. Sandy Kennedy president of Retail Industry Leaders Association (who filed the lawsuits) said "We certainly hope that the other states...will pause and look at what we're doing in Maryland and Suffolk County [New York] and consider that these are unwise and unlawful laws..." This is a bill which requires companies with more than 10,000 employees in the state to spend at least 8 percent of payroll on health care or contribute the difference to the state Medicaid fund. Wal-Mart is the only company in Maryland that fits the size and does not meet the 8 percent quota. Most Wal-Mart employees rely on taxpayer-funded Medicaid Health Coverage. It simply does not make sense for the worlds largest company and employer to not pay at the minimum 8% for employees health coverage. The lawsuit however, argues that state and local governments are not permitted to mandate levels of health care coverage by private companies, both suits seek federal judges to grant injuctions to prevent the enforcement of the laws. The bill is argued to "arbitarily single out one company for discriminatory treatment" That statement alone acknowledges Wal-Marts mistreatment of workers, though other states are currently asking for more than 8 percent towards healthcare. Wal-Mart endless wallet is simply trying to undo what peoples elected representatives enforced, becoming a responsible employer.

• In other news Wal-Mart Exec Lee Scott announced that Wal-Mart plans to open up 1500 stores in the next year. Their solution to the problem is obvious, to grow, grow, grow and grow. We need to keep putting pressure on Wal-Mart through the media and other local demonstrations...