Reply #67: HR 676.

[LWolf]

Universal, single-payer, not-for-profit health care. No matter who you are.

I'm sick of paying my premiums, and then paying deductibles and copays, as it is.

I repeatedly defer some routine, some essential, maintenance simply because, after I've paid the premiums, and the copays and deductibles for the ongoing blood tests and medications for one condition, there's nothing left for more copays and more deductibles.

As far as your school district goes, I think that's bullshit. I don't think it will affect many; schools (at least in the two states I've taught in) are already smoke-free zones. I can't imagine having a nicotine addiction and trying to rush out during lunch, and at whatever non-existent other opportunities present themselves, to smoke in my car. How many teachers are still smokers?

When I started working in public education in 1983, there were ashtrays in the teacher's lounge, and many of the teachers smoked in there.

As it is, I don't think that policy is enforceable.

What about your contract? What is your association doing? They can't add a clause like that to a contract after the fact; is this part of negotiations?