For the first time I can remember (which admittedly doesn't mean as much as it used to) a reader accused me of some "happy talk" last week. While the feedback is always appreciated, the accusation is laughable – just ask my boss.
Yeah, things are rough right now. And from what I hear (and read) they're not getting better anytime soon. Just ask ING or Genworth, the latest carriers hit with layoffs. But forgive me if I don't climb up on the ledge and throw myself off in a fit of pathetic surrender. This industry hasn't survived – and thrived – this long riding on the backs of quitters.
That being said, we need to remain vigilant. Just days before President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration, the House is ramping up work on another, even more ill-advised expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. The current bill would nearly double enrollment and eliminate the five-year waiting period for illegal immigrants and their children, among other things.
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But lawmakers always forget to pick up the tab. Or they try paying the bill with a maxed out Mastercard. See, the most problematic aspect of this ambitious expansion is the proposed funding mechanism: they just want to tack another 61 cents a pack onto cigarette taxes. It's time we told them their credit's declined.
One more thing, in addition to calling your congressman, or taking a more active role in your local NAHU chapter, make your voice heard by taking part in our latest survey. Click the link below to vent. Until then, let's hope some of these smoking cessation programs start failing.
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