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ARE TAX CREDITS THE KEY TO GOOD HEALTH?

July 10, 2007

Senator Tom Harkin has proposed a new tax credit for corporate wellness program:

The Healthy Workforce Act would provide a tax credit of up to $200 per employee for the first 200 employees, and up to $100 per employee thereafter, to businesses that offer comprehensive wellness programs.

The Senator's press release has this statement:

Employer spending on health promotion and chronic disease prevention is a good investment. Studies have reported a proven rate of return ranging from $2 to $10 for each dollar invested. Workplace wellness programs are also economical, averaging $30-$200 per employee.

If it's such a good deal, why does it need a tax credit? Employees would be tripping over themselves to do it anyway. Is it perhaps because... it's not such a good deal?

Like most tax credits, the benefit would go to people already are doing what the program would subsidize - in this big instance companies that have both wellness programs and good lobbyists. In honor of the proposal, we are reopening the voting on our good deed tax credit poll:

What do you do already that most deserves a $1000 tax credit?
	I buy Girl Scout Cookies
	I replace incandscent bulbs with flourescents.
	I lower the toilet seat without being asked.
	I don't share my colonoscopy pictures with co-workers
	I don't pour used motor oil in my neighbor's backyard
	I remember my anniversary
	I don't tear up pictures of the Pope on television
	I make a fresh pot of coffee when the office pot runs low
	I have no bumper stickers
	I follow all important workplace safety techniques in my home meth lab
pollcode.com free polls

Your vote counts!

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