Conservatively Speaking
State Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) represents parts of four counties: Milwaukee, Waukesha, Racine, and Walworth. Her Senate District 28 includes New Berlin, Franklin, Greendale, Hales Corners, Muskego, Waterford, Big Bend and parts of Greenfield, East Troy, and Mukwonago. Senator Lazich has been in the Legislature for more than a decade. She considers herself a tireless crusader for lower taxes, reduced spending and smaller government.
Lose weight or else
By Mary Lazich
Wednesday, Aug 27 2008, 08:55 AM
One year ago, I blogged about the problems associated with feel-good fat taxes.
As far-fetched as a fat tax may sound (most of the revenue often fails to get to obesity-prevention programs or healthy food subsidies), Alabama has taken the extraordinary step of mandating that its state employees get into shape in two years or be forced to pay more for insurance.
Some states, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, provide incentives for people to adopt healthier lifestyles. Workers in Ohio get $50 for having health assessments and another $50 if they follow medical instructions.
Arkansas and Missouri give monthly discounts on premiums for employees who take health risk assessments and enroll in programs to reduce obesity and stress. Those states differ from Alabama in that they offer incentives instead of punishments. Alabama has become the first state to charge workers who fail to try to lose weight.
Some medical experts oppose the Alabama plan, saying it's too punitive. Read more about Alabama’s plan here.
