By George Anderson
Suffolk County on New York's Long Island has passed a bill that intends to make large employers that sell groceries, primarily non-union businesses, pay a greater share of their employees health benefits.
The bill known as the Fair Share for Health Care Act applies to retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target and BJ's Wholesale that meet size and revenue standards. It requires employers to contribute at three dollars for each hour an employee works. Companies would not be allowed to make any corresponding deductions from a worker's paycheck.
The bill had broad bi-partisan with one holdout. Allan Binder, a Republican, called the Fair Share for Health Care Act "the worst bill I've seen in my 16 years as a legislator. It's anti-taxpayer, anti-consumer, anti-business, anti-growth, and anti-Suffolk County."
Paul J. Tonna, a Republican colleague of Mr. Binder, disagreed. "Wal-Mart has profited off the public sector to the tune of billions of dollars," he told The New York Times.
Moderator's Comment: How will the Fair Share for Health Care Act impact the competitive position of retailers (unionized and non-union) in Suffolk County? - George Anderson - Moderator