[trumandogz]

I thought Tennessee was controlled by Republicans.

[KoRn]

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.

[chapin2500]

I hate state employees. They get everything for FREE on MY dime. Make THEM pay for THEIR bad habit, not me.

[xroadie]

There’s gonna be a whole lot of lyin’ goin’ on!

[Gay State Conservative]

Smoking....like being overweight...or like skydiving...are known to shorten life and increase health expenses.I have no problem with life insurance companies or health insurance companies charging higher premiums to such people.

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.

[RandallFlagg]

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.

[Drango]

A user tax is a fairer tax. Why should others pay for their vice?

[knarf]

What does the smoking indistry contribut to society?

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.

[red-dawg]

State employees are facing a $600 surcharge that goes into effect next year for everyone in the employee health system who skydives or has a skydiver for a spouse.

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.

[Graybeard58]

When will they start charging queers extra because of their dangerous life style?

[Publius6961]

Whatever makes them feel useful, even if totally ignorant.

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...

[Drew68]

To help smokers quit before the Jan. 1, 2010, deadline, the state will offer discounts on prescriptions and over-the-counter products like nicotine gum and patches starting May 1.

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?