This is a rock solid victory for the Progressive cause and the Democratic party. Walmart has done enough damage already for the working poor and has consistently shifted away the Healthcare cost for their employees on the taxpayers. Finally Maryland Democrats have shown some spine and
overridden a veto from the Republican Gov. Robert L. Erhlich Jr. by a good 30-17 margin.
<div class= "blockquote"> The Maryland Senate today bucked the will of the state's Republican governor and the nation's largest retailer, voting to require Wal-Mart effectively to spend more on employee health care.
In a vote that was closely watched nationally, the Democratic-led chamber overrode Gov. Robert L. Erhlich Jr.'s veto by 30-17, following an unsuccessful filibuster attempt by Republicans. Legislatures in more than 30 states are now considering replicating the measure.</div>
More on the flip
The bill will require:
<div class = "blockquote"> The bill would require private companies with more than 10,000 employees in Maryland to spend at least 8 percent of payroll on employee health benefits or make a contribution to the state's insurance program for the poor. Wal-Mart is the only known employer that does not meet that spending requirement.
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Democratic lawmakers countered that the bill was intended to make large employers pay their "fair share" of health costs. Wal-Mart has acknowledged that some of its low-wage workers are on Medicaid, the state insurance program for the poor.</div>
Republicans as usual are carrying water for their paymaster Big Corporations:
<div class="blockquote">The bill drew spirited opposition from Republicans on the Senate floor, who argued that supporters were trying to unfairly punish an unpopular company and that lawmakers would gradually expand the bill to include smaller businesses.
"This is a revenge bill," said Sen. E.J. Pipkin (R-Queen Anne's). "This isn't about health care."</div>
Yeah Right Pipkin!! It is not about your BlueCross-Blueshield taxpayer funded healthcare alright!!