Sometimes, Davey wins.
An article published on Common Dreams announces a law passed by Maryland legislators that targets Wal-Mart and requires an increas in health care coverage by companies with more than 10,000 employees. This law requires these companies to spend at least 8 percent of their payrolls on employee health benefits.
This “fair share” law is in the works in about 30 other states and the passage of such a law in Maryland has given inspiration to legislators across the country.
In each state proposal, affected companies that don’t meet the payment threshold would have to pay the difference into a state fund to assist the uninsured.
Maryland’s passage of this law came after its Republican Governor, Bog Ehrlich, issued a veto.
But legislators overturned the veto, making activists and supporters very happy.
“Just (from) the level of calls we’re getting from supporters today, everyone’s excited. I certainly think what happened in Maryland will help the momentum here in New Hampshire,” said John Thyng, director of New Hampshire for Health Care, a Concord-based organization that also backs a measure requiring an 8 percent spending threshold for firms with 1,000 or more workers.
There are groups, such as the National Federation of Independent Business, that are opposed to this measure because of the impact it could have on new jobs. In reality, though, most businesses are already spending the 8%, if not more, on employee benefits.
Funny how Wal-Mart, the largest voice in opposition to this measure, forked out loads of funds to hire four big lobbying groups to oppose this legislation. Seems like that money could have been placed in the employee benefits fund….
This is not a total solution to the uninsured issue, but it is a step that stands up to the bully Goliath and is a “giant” step in the right direction.
Yes, sometimes, Davey wins!
Deanna Dee-Dee Taylor 