Deputy mayor says wage bill will drive away retailers

The deputy mayor for economic development says the new wage bill requiring large retailers to pay employees $12.50 an hour could affect more than just Wal-Mart’s plans for the city.

Victor Hoskins says the bill would have a “chilling impact” on the retail growth in the District of Columbia. He says it would drive away retailers other than Wal-Mart that people might find more valuable.

Mayor Vincent Gray has also expressed his concern about the bill after Wal-Mart said it would not build three of the six stores it had planned if the bill becomes law. He is considering a veto.