MADISON, WI (AP)-- State workers who smoke would have to pay $50 more per month for health insurance under a proposal by Governor Scott Walker.
The nonpartisan Legislative Fiscal Bureau estimates that the fee will generate $6 million over the next two years.
Twelve other states currently impose similar fees but anti-smoking groups including the American Cancer Society and the American Lung Association oppose them because they argue they are not effective in reducing tobacco use.
Walker's administration says the fee is necessary because it estimates health care costs for tobacco users are about 35 percent higher than those who don't.
The proposal does not say how employees would be identified as tobacco users.
