What You Should Know

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz

32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

Tel. 718-991-3161

It’s About Time to Bring WalMart to the City

You should know that there are many New Yorkers who are willing to drive out of the City and pay bridge and tunnel tolls in order to save money by shopping in New Jersey. They travel to Secaucus and to Bayonne to go to WalMart so they can save money on clothing and groceries, and buy fresh fruit and vegetables for their families at low prices.

When we talk about helping poor people and less fortunate New Yorkers save money, are we taking any steps to help them? When we talk about helping New York’s senior citizens who don’t have enough money to pay their rent, utilities, food, or medical expenses, are we serious about helping them? When we talk about the struggles of low-income New Yorkers who cannot afford to raise their families, do we provide a way forward for them?

You should know that we are in a very difficult economic situation in New York City. Our unemployment rate is higher than the national level and higher than the State level. Our youth unemployment situation is at a crisis level. Our homeless population continues to grow, and our food pantries are almost at a loss about how to keep up with the rising demands.

Real steps toward real solutions need to be made, and they need to be made now.

When New York’s elected officials try to stop WalMart from coming into New York City, they are preventing poor people from getting the benefit of WalMart prices.

When New York’s elected officials try to stop WalMart from coming into New York City, they are preventing employment opportunities for families who need jobs.

When New York’s elected officials try to stop WalMart from coming into New York City, they are preventing college students from taking that first step to connecting to the labor market.

When New York’s elected officials try to stop WalMart from coming into New York City, they are preventing high school students from working part-time after school and on weekends – and we all know the important role those opportunities can play in almost any teen’s development.

You should know that it has been well reported that WalMart employee benefits include incentive/bonus plan, health insurance, profit sharing, 401(k), education, store discounts and other WalMart employment benefits.

WalMart certainly offers a lot more opportunities than what many of New York’s campaign volunteers get when they’re out there stumping for political candidates in the hot sun.

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s about time that we bring WalMart into New York City. For years millions of working-class Americans have been provided with WalMart’s good service, broad selection and low prices.

I don't know why other elected officials don’t want WalMart their districts. I wish I could have it in mine! I want to bring job opportunities into my district for my constituents, and I would love to offer my constituents the opportunities to pay low prices and receive the quality service WalMart provides – without having to pay a toll.

This is Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.