Maryland sticks it to Wal-Mart

This article is about the new Maryland law requiring all employers with over 10,000 employees to pay a minimum amount of healthcare benefits or pay the difference to the state.

Out of four comapnies that fall into that category, only 1, Wal-Mart, doesn't meet the minimum. Not surprising considering news about how many Wal-Mart employees and their dependents rely on government health care.

One interesting topic is the notion that Wal-Mart would pull out of the state, like when they shuttered a store that went union. But that would be like throwing blood in the water. Sure, Wal-Mart could kiss off 53 of a few thousand stores, but what happens if this spurs other states to follow suit?

Of course, Wal-Mart touts that they offer health coverage for $23 a month and that they've increased their full-time average pay over the past year. They also neglect to mention that the bulk of their employees are part-time, or just what that $23 a month gets someone, because we all know that a part-time Wal-Mart employee can afford a $500 deductible.

The only fly in this ointment is the little voice in the back of my head complaining about government interference.