Submitted by Alexander Medwedew, Mar 30, 2007 03:15

Gloating over Walmart's decision not to open a store in New York doesn't solve any problems.  By not acting responsibly the City Council maintains the status quo for all workers in New York and allows businesses to operate as usual.  Up to date legislation that sets minimum business standards and practices in New York is what is needed.

Set higher minimum wage standards than are currenlty in place.  A minimum wage of at least $12.50 an hour would go a long way to increasing workers salaries.  Higher salaries mean higher income taxes collected.  This also means more money to buy things which translates into sales taxes.

Use tax laws creatively.  Create a NYC minimum wage business tax to fund local medical insurance similar to unemployment.  Businesses not providing medical insurance or paying less than $20 an hour would have to pay this tax.  All low paid wage workers working for businesses paying the tax would get basic medical services.  Workers employed by businesses not paying into this tax would not be eligible.  A simple tax of $1 per hour for hourly employees could generate billions of dollars each year.

Walmart will find another way to sell to New Yorkers.  Meanwhile there will be no construction workers employed to build the new store.  No new jobs created.  There will be no sales, real estate or income taxes collected as well as many of the additional taxes that big business pays.  No competitive pricing for the consumer who will go elsewhere to buy.  Those that can afford to drive to New Jersey and Connecticut will shop at Walmart.

Meanwhile Walmart will do business as usual and the City Council will gloat.

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