Good Jobs First found no instances of economic development subsidies in this state, but given the absence of centralized data, it is still possible that deals have quietly occurred.

Many Wal-Mart workers are ineligible for health coverage from their employer or choose not to purchase what is available, because it is too expensive or too limited in scope. These workers often turn to taxpayer-funded health programs such as Medicaid. In March 2007 the Providence Journal reported that the Department of Human Services had completed a report, requested by the state legislature, showing which employers in Rhode Island had 250 or more employees or their dependents participating in public healthcare programs such at RIte Care, RIte Share or Medicaid. The report found nine such employers. Not including temp agencies, the companies with the largest number of total beneficiaries (employees and dependents) were Citizens Financial Group (610) and Wal-Mart (500). Sources: Felice J. Freyer, "Some Workers Getting Health Care Through Medicaid," Providence Journal, March 30, 2007. The Dept. of Human Services report can be found at http://www.ritecare.ri.gov/documents/reports_publications/pub%20health%20ben%20final%20report%20030507.pdf

For an estimate of how much Wal-Mart is costing the state of RI for taxpayer-funded healthcare, see http://www.wakeupwalmart.com/feature/healthcrisis/map.html#RI

In the course of researching our report Rolling Back Property Tax Payments , Good Jobs First did not learn of any property tax assessment appeals at Wal-Mart locations in Rhode Island.

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