At left: In case you needed any more proof that R. Crumb could predict the future. (from Zap Comix, several eons ago.)In our sordid state news today:
SC Bill would increase premiums on obese workers
The Associated Press • February 10, 2009
COLUMBIA — Obese public employees would have to pay an extra $25 monthly for their state health insurance under a bill up for debate in South Carolina.As always, South Carolina loves to be first in all things. You've undoubtedly noticed by now!
The measure sponsored by GOP Sen. Greg Ryberg of Aiken is on the agenda Tuesday in a Senate subcommittee. It would tie the surcharge to employees' body-mass index, a weight and height measurement.
The proposal follows a vote last August to increase health insurance premiums of public workers who smoke. The smoking surcharge is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2010. It was approved by a five-member board that oversees the state budget.
Smokers called it an unfair increase, since smoking isn't the only bad habit that increases health care costs.
South Carolina has among the nation's highest rates of obesity and diabetes.
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More from recent Blogdonia excursions:
Lauren's post on class and feminism, titled Context. Our state bird is disappearing. From TreeHugger: Is It Still a Carolina Wren If It No Longer Calls Carolina Home?Attention local folks! (Upstate SC and Western NC) Please help save the Burton Street neighborhood, currently in the corporate cross-hairs as bureaucrats haggle over how best to expand I-26 in Asheville. Mountain Xpress has been doing a bang-up job of covering the proposed "Downtown Master Plan" for Asheville. (((applause for excellent work))) Please, please, please do not ruin Asheville!
And finally...
Antiprincess's precious littlest patriarch, Wolfgang! Beware adorable baby picture!!! YOU COULD DIE FROM THE CUTE! (((makes gurgly grandma noises)))