Calif. Gov. Schwarzenegger Vetoes Bill Aimed at Superstores
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. - Critics of supercenters in California were thrown a curve on Friday, as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have required Wal-Mart and other retailers seeking to open stores to measure the potential effect of their stores on existing retailers.
Several California officials have sought to block the expansion of Wal-Mart in the state, and some lawmakers have worked on state legislation aimed at the company.
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According to a Reuters report, Schwarzenegger said he vetoed the bill because it "effectively sends a message to retailers and others that California is 'closed for business.' The argument about whether a superstore retailer belongs in a neighborhood is a daily occurrence in many California communities. Adding a new hurdle, approval of an economic impact report prior to approval of a development project that includes such a retailer, will only limit the authority of local communities to decide what kind of retail projects they want to embrace."
Several California officials have sought to block the expansion of Wal-Mart in the state, and some lawmakers have worked on state legislation aimed at the company.
(Story continues below.)
According to a Reuters report, Schwarzenegger said he vetoed the bill because it "effectively sends a message to retailers and others that California is 'closed for business.' The argument about whether a superstore retailer belongs in a neighborhood is a daily occurrence in many California communities. Adding a new hurdle, approval of an economic impact report prior to approval of a development project that includes such a retailer, will only limit the authority of local communities to decide what kind of retail projects they want to embrace."