A. Radek
02-10-2006, 06:24 PM
OLYMPIA — It cost the state an estimated $12 million in 2004 to provide government-subsidized health care to Wal-Mart employees, according to a state Senate analysis released Tuesday.
The total was nearly double that amount if costs to federal taxpayers are included.
The new figures provide fresh ammunition for a labor-dominated coalition that is pushing for legislation that would force some big employers to spend more on health-care benefits and stop shifting those costs to the state.
"The numbers tell us why it's imperative that we act now," said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, chairwoman of the Senate Labor, Commerce and Research and Development Committee.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002791346_walmart07m.html
We need to raise tariffs on imported goods.
The total was nearly double that amount if costs to federal taxpayers are included.
The new figures provide fresh ammunition for a labor-dominated coalition that is pushing for legislation that would force some big employers to spend more on health-care benefits and stop shifting those costs to the state.
"The numbers tell us why it's imperative that we act now," said Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, D-Seattle, chairwoman of the Senate Labor, Commerce and Research and Development Committee.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2002791346_walmart07m.html
We need to raise tariffs on imported goods.