City officials and business groups are urging Governor Jerry Brown to veto a bill they said unfairly targets stores like Wal-Mart. Democratic State Senator Juan Vargas is behind the measure. It would require "big box" stores to pay for an economic impact report before a project can be approved. Vargas believes such super-centers can hurt business districts.
Kathy Miller, Stockton's Vice-Mayor, came to Sacramento Tuesday to lobby against the measure. "When this type of legislation is passed in Sacramento, what it ends up meaning for local communities is more time and more money and a loss of economic opportunities," said Miller.
The legislation would apply to stores with more than 90,000 square feet. The measure does not include stores like Costco that sell in bulk and require shoppers to pay a membership fee. Governor Brown has until October ninth to sign or veto legislation on his desk.
