Smokers Helping Uninsured Children?

The U.S. Senate voted 64-to-30, approving the new child health bill, a week after Congress approved it. This proposed modification to the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (S-CHIP) would insure an additional $4mm uninsured, low-income children, in addition to the $6mm with coverage under the current 10-year old program. Both houses expect a Presidential Veto, which befell a similar proposal a few days ago. The law provides health insurance to possible illegal immigrants, but pays for such coverage with a hefty (61 cent) tax on packs of cigarettes. The amended Bill would makes the tax $1, to make up the difference.

I have plenty to say about the idea of taxing something unhealthy and using it for the public good, but that will be for another time. No question, Bush will veto the amendment. Bravo if he does so because the Government shouldn’t control unhealthy behavior. Shame on him if he does so because he’s friends with big tobacco. I think it’s probably going to be the latter…