LauraMax
Cathlete
Here's mine, feel free to plagarize:
September 6, 2006
Honorable Jon Corzine
Governor, State of New Jersey
P.O. Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625-0001
Dear Governor Corzine:
I am writing to you to share my thoughts regarding recent legislation taxing health club memberships. I have been a part of the health club industry in some capacity for almost 18 years and, I must confess, I was absolutely appalled to hear that you are basically punishing people, or providing a disincentive, for staying fit and healthy.
First of all, people who have the discipline to stay fit and healthy already have to pay higher health care premiums for the "obesity epidemic." Second, we're already paying for health club memberships, which are not cheap. Third, WE will save taxpayers money in the long run because our health care costs will ultimately be less than those of obese/unhealthy people.
Additionally, if a physician prescribes it, obese people actually get discounts on gym memberships and exercise equipment. Yet those of us who have led healthy lifestyles must pay full price. Is there something wrong with this picture?
And now our governor, to make up for a billion dollar deficit, is going to punish us for this? Talk about a disincentive! Why doesn’t the state just tax twinkies or mud pies? Or maybe desserts at restaurants? Or anything with carb or calorie count over 200 grams? Or maybe polyester stretch-waistband pants?
Please do not respond to me with a “thank you for your input” form letter as I have no wish to see my tax dollars wasted on paper and postage for something trite and meaningless. However, I do wish that you would reconsider your decision and find a better way to raise funds.
Sincerely,
September 6, 2006
Honorable Jon Corzine
Governor, State of New Jersey
P.O. Box 001
Trenton, NJ 08625-0001
Dear Governor Corzine:
I am writing to you to share my thoughts regarding recent legislation taxing health club memberships. I have been a part of the health club industry in some capacity for almost 18 years and, I must confess, I was absolutely appalled to hear that you are basically punishing people, or providing a disincentive, for staying fit and healthy.
First of all, people who have the discipline to stay fit and healthy already have to pay higher health care premiums for the "obesity epidemic." Second, we're already paying for health club memberships, which are not cheap. Third, WE will save taxpayers money in the long run because our health care costs will ultimately be less than those of obese/unhealthy people.
Additionally, if a physician prescribes it, obese people actually get discounts on gym memberships and exercise equipment. Yet those of us who have led healthy lifestyles must pay full price. Is there something wrong with this picture?
And now our governor, to make up for a billion dollar deficit, is going to punish us for this? Talk about a disincentive! Why doesn’t the state just tax twinkies or mud pies? Or maybe desserts at restaurants? Or anything with carb or calorie count over 200 grams? Or maybe polyester stretch-waistband pants?
Please do not respond to me with a “thank you for your input” form letter as I have no wish to see my tax dollars wasted on paper and postage for something trite and meaningless. However, I do wish that you would reconsider your decision and find a better way to raise funds.
Sincerely,
