KENNEDY LAUNCHES ANTI-WAL-MART AGENDA (202) SUPPORTS NEW GRASS ROOTS DOCUMENTARY ON THE HIGH COST OF LOW PRICE

WASHINGTON – Today Senator Kennedy and Representative DeLauro joined filmmaker, Robert Greenwald, and the Co-Director of the Campaign for America’s Future Robert Borosage to discuss the impact of the Wal-Mart economy as detailed in a new film called WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price. Senator Kennedy detailed their efforts in Congress to improve the working conditions of WAL-MART employees and low-wage workers across the country. He heard firsthand about the devastating impact of Wal-Mart on communities from Red Ersy, the owner of four family-run grocery stores that were put out of business by WAL-MART. “Wal-Mart sells itself as the all-American company, but it violates American family values every single day by mistreating its workers. Low cost does not have to mean low wages and low respect for workers.” Senator Kennedy said. “The Wal-Marts of the world must be held accountable for its workers, families and communities. This is not just a Congressional fight – it is an American fight that we should all join in. I applaud the community groups and religious leaders who are promoting awareness of Wal-Mart’s abuses by gathering together in neighborhoods and houses of worship throughout the country.” Senator Kennedy and Representative DeLauro are both sponsoring several initiatives to promote good corporate citizenship. And Kennedy has sponsored legislation that would keep consumers informed about bad corporate practices by requiring companies to publicly report the number of their employees that must rely on publicly-funded health care. The film, which takes viewers on a personal journey into the everyday lives of families struggling to fight against Wal-Mart, is being shown at 7000 screenings across the country at house parties, churches and community centers next week. It premiers in Washington this evening.