Posted on 04/28/2009 3:31:45 PM PDT by trumandogz
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) State employees are facing a $600 surcharge that goes into effect next year for everyone in the employee health system who smokes or has a smoker for a spouse.
The Tennessean reports state officials hope the surcharge will provide an incentive for employees who smoke.
Officials estimate that would save Tennessee an estimated $3,400 a year in lost productivity and smoking-related health claims per worker.
(Excerpt) Read more at wreg.com ...
I wonder if they will also begin imposing surcharges for those that eat ‘fast food’ daily, run stop signs, jump off cliffs, and have multiple sexual partners.
I hate state employees. They get everything for FREE on MY dime. Make THEM pay for THEIR bad habit, not me.
There’s gonna be a whole lot of lyin’ goin’ on!
Smoking isn't a "bad habit"....it's a drug addiction. Those who smoke are, by & large, drug addicts. I know, 'cuz I used to be one.
I,however,am anxiously awaiting the day when welfare recipients have their benefits reduced if they smoke or are fat.I won't hold my breath,however.
Smoking is one of the few issues that crosses party lines. Tobaccophobics come with D or R all over the place. It simply has to do with power and control.
ALCOHOL!!!!
KILLS!!!
A user tax is a fairer tax. Why should others pay for their vice?
No, not a trick question .... but there is a heavy and sincere effort to crush tobacco.
I've heard many a kid went to college on summer tobacco field wages.
State employees are facing a $600 surcharge that goes into effect next year for everyone in the employee health system who drives a motorcycle or has a motorcycle rider for a spouse.
State employees are facing a $600 surcharge that goes into effect next year for everyone in the employee health system who eats potato chips or has a potato chip-eater for a spouse.
When will they start charging queers extra because of their dangerous life style?
Why should smokers pay toward more toward their state’s debt via taxes. This is a good move. It will level the playing field just like all the liberals are screaming for.
A cursory review of claims will find "beached whales," people engaging in risky sports hobbies and members of the gay lifestyle have a dramatically higher rates of time loss and health claims.
Just saying...
Uhhh, wouldn’t the tobacco tax be a “user fee”?
So what risky behaviors do you have that we should tax? Have you ever exceeded the speed limit? Ever come into contact with a carcinogen? Ever ridden a motorcycle? Ever driven an SUV? Ever flown in an airplane? Hmmm...what else...lets see...ever had unprotected sex? Ever stayed up late past a healthy bedtime? Ever exceeded 2,000 calories in one day?
Dude...seriously...you need to rethink what you are saying here because it certainly doesn’t reflect a cogent understanding of personal liberty.
Ja, Rauchen Verboten!
(Der Fueher does not want us to smoke)
Employees will be also allowed to take part in six-week smoking cessation seminars on state time. The state held its first stop-smoking seminar Monday.
Who's gonna pay for SCHIP when all the smokers are browbeaten into quitting?
I wonder what the story would be if they were going to charge openly gay and lesbians 600$ or more for their “lifestyle” choice, much like smoking is? The gay/lesbian “community” would be on every station and newspaper in the country denouncing this hideous, evil action to surpress them.
These nannies sicken me and our fine Free Country.
My cigars and pipes are not an addiction, I, just, enjoy them. But, I get lumped into the smokers. After all, now that smokers are supporting SCHIP, it is patriotic to smoke. What will be next, guns, meat, dogs, cats?
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