Wisconsin Governor Vetoes Health Insurance Tobacco Surcharge

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has vetoed his own plan to charge state workers more for health insurance if they smoke.

Walker’s executive state budget would have required state workers who smoke to pay $50 more per month for health insurance. Walker’s administration said the extra charge was necessary because health care is more expensive for tobacco users.

But Walker used his partial veto powers to erase the plan from the final budget signed June 30.

Walker’s veto message says new federal guidance on tobacco surcharges was issued after he drew up the fee plan that would make the program too cumbersome. For example, Walker wrote, a smoker could avoid the fee by joining a cessation program.

A Walker spokeswoman had no immediate comment Monday afternoon, and could not be reached later for details.