JLMC Calls Davis Veto of AB 84 Disappointing; 'All Consumers Lose When Legislative Process Overshadows Needed Policy'.

BUENA PARK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 22, 1999--

The Joint Labor Management Committee of the Retail Food Industry expressed disappointment over Governor Davis' veto of AB 84.

"We feel it is very unfortunate that the legislative process distracted from the merits of the policy and concerns which this bill addresses. We had hoped that the Governor would put politics aside in considering an important issue, which cities are struggling with in growing numbers," said Leslie Goodman, spokesperson for the JLMC.

Although AB 84 was vetoed, the problem of the devastation that so-called "big box" megastores can wreak on local communities, workers and their families, and small businesses will not go away, according to JLMC.

"We continue to believe that this is an issue that should be addressed at the state level, since there is no regional authority cities can turn to when pitted against one another in the race for municipal sales tax.

"The JLMC urges the Legislature and the Governor to make this a high-priority item on the legislative agenda next year," Goodman added.

"Unfortunately, in the meantime, the veto of AB 84 leaves California communities and thousands of small businesses exposed to the many negative impacts posed by the future construction of supercenters," said Goodman. -0-

These include:

--   Fiscal damage to local governments and businesses;
--   Potential loss of high paying jobs and good benefits for workers
     and their families;
--   Potential destruction of neighborhood shopping centers that are
     the lifeblood of communities all across California.

-0-

AB 84 was supported by a diverse group of organizations, including many local government officials, retailers, environmentalists and some labor unions concerned about maintaining a lifeline for small to mid-size retailers and to foster a diverse and competitive environment.