Here's something we don't really understand. Why do public officials feel they need to give government subsidies to the nation's largest employer? It's sort of baffling.

Non-profit watchdog group Good Jobs First has put together a website detailing Walmart's government subsidy deals.

Our home state of Illinois leads the pack with $152,130,000 in taxpayer money generously donated to Walmart. For example the community of Belleville, IL issued $9.9 million in subsidies to Walmart to build a store... and close another store 2 miles away when the new facility is complete. What gives? We've heard of taxpayers getting screwed when an NFL team wants a new stadium across town... but paying $9.9 million to relocate a Walmart? Did the blue vests start playing some sort of sport that we aren't aware of? —MEGHANN MARCO

Wal-Mart Subsidy Watch
(Photo: northernplateguy)