Breakthrough on Wal-Mart health coverage

Today's NY Times reports:

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Jan. 12 - The Maryland legislature passed a law Thursday that would require Wal-Mart Stores to increase spending on employee health insurance, a measure that is expected to be a model for other states.

The legislature's move, which overrode a veto by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich, was a response to growing criticism that Wal-Mart, the nation's largest private employer, has skimped on benefits and shifted health costs to state governments.

The vote came after a furious lobbying battle by Wal-Mart and by labor and liberal groups, and is likely to encourage lawmakers in dozens of other states who are considering similar legislation

The AFL-CIO has, in fact, targeted 32 more states for a similar effort. Contrary to Paul Soglin's post, Wisconsin is on the list.

Assembly Bill 860 , sponsored by State Rep. Terese Berceau, D-Madison, and State Sen. Dave Hansen,D-Green Bay, is scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Labor Committee on Jan. 18.