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Clinton: Cover employees

Senator pushes for Wal-Mart's contribution to workers' health plans, but is unclear whether she took that stand as retailer's board member

BY GLENN THRUSH | WASHINGTON BUREAU

January 26, 2006

WASHINGTON - Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton wants Wal-Mart to contribute to health insurance for its employees - but can't recall if she pushed for worker benefits during six years as a paid board member for the nation's largest retailer.

"Cities and states are saying we can't keep holding the bag here," Clinton said yesterday, praising a new Maryland law requiring Wal-Mart to spend at least 8 percent of payroll on health benefits or contribute to insurance plans for the poor.

About 20 state legislatures have similar bills pending - and Suffolk County has a similar law - reflecting frustration with paying Medicaid and other state health care expenses incurred by company employees.

Clinton never explicitly endorsed Maryland's law during her speech before the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington, but she later told reporters, "I certainly understand their need to try to take some action because the burden is getting shifted onto the taxpayer."

Asked if she had advocated better benefits while serving as a board member with Arkansas-based Wal-Mart from 1986 to 1991, Clinton replied, "Well, you know, I, that was a long time ago ... have to remember," adding that "obviously I believe every company should" contribute to benefit plans.

"Her tenure on the board ended nearly 14 years ago, and it's a very different company now," said Philippe Reines, a spokesman for Clinton.

The Maryland bill was passed earlier this month over the veto of Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich Jr.

Calls to a Wal-Mart spokesman weren't returned.

Company founder Sam Walton was a donor to Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential campaign. The Clintons owned between $50,000 and $100,000 in company stock at that time, according to press accounts.