The Maryland Senate just voted today to reduce the number of new jobs created in that state by large businesses like Wal-Mart.

The so-called "Wal-Mart bill" would force large employers to spend a certain amount (8%) of their state payrolls on health insurance for their workers. Governor Ehrlich vetoed the measure last year, but the Senate vote today was a step in the direction of overriding that veto. The House, which needs 85 votes to override the veto, is expected to vote sometime this evening.

While it might be nice to imagine that this legislation will ensure more low-income Marylanders have health insurance, the reality is far from that. Big businesses are more likely to hire fewer workers, eliminate inefficient workers, automate certain work activities, or move to another state in response to the new health care mandate. Maryland politicians trying to attract new businesses to the state will have their work cut out for them. Unskilled workers who are seeking jobs will also confront greater obstacles.

If Maryland lawmakers think this is such a great idea, why don't they take this legislation to its logical extreme and force all companies to pay for 100% of their employees health insurance. Wouldn't that be great?! Then everybody would have health insurance -- wait, except for the numerous Marylanders that were unemployed.