Retail industry and common sense score D.C. victory

District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray this week vetoed one of the most wrong-headed regulations ever proposed and the nation’s two leading retail trade groups were quick to praise the action.

At issues was a piece of legislation narrowly focused to target specific retailers called, “The Large Retailer Accountability Act.” It sought to require retailers whose store size and sales volume exceed certain levels to pay hourly wage rates nearly double the national minimum wage. It was approved by the D.C. council in July, but Mayor Gray’s veto ended its implementation.

The National Retailer Federation (NRF) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) had a ringside seat to the ordeal as both groups are based in Washington, D.C.

“RILA applauds the decision by Mayor Gray to recognize the discriminatory effect of this poorly crafted legislation,” said Joe Rinzel, vp of state government affairs for RILA. “Without question, this law would have hindered job creation in the District, weakening an already shaky recovery by preventing new growth and investment. Our industry prides itself on providing stable jobs with upward mobility opportunities to communities across America. Mayor Gray’s veto protects that opportunity for his constituents.”

NRF SVP of government relations David French expressed a similar view.

“The Mayor recognizes the positive role that retail plays in economic development, and retailers’ unmatched ability to improve communities and provide desperately-needed jobs and careers,” French said. “His veto is a testament to the commitment he has to DC residents, especially young people