If the government were to design a new tax that on a percentage basis took much more money from the poorest residents, social groups around the country would be screaming from their soapboxes to repeal the tax ASAP. Well get on your soapboxes, it is called the State lottery games.
The State run lottery games were designed to help raise tax revenues for the State. It is a known fact that on a percentage basis the poorest state residents purchase the majority of the lottery tickets. We have all been behind someone that purchased hundreds of dollars in State lottery tickets and/or State scratch off tickets. This individual normally does not look like they can afford even one ticket. Note: There is someone more addicted to the lottery than you or I. Your home State cannot live without these tax dollars.
Many will say that people are not forced to play the State lottery games. But we hear lottery ads on TV, radio, and print pushing us to take a chance at millions of easy money. One dollar could change your life. Our goal is not to stop having state run gambling but reduce the current burden on our poorest residents.
By allowing each resident to use a maximum of their income on the State run lotteries, we are evening out the tax burden that we are currently placing on the poor. The technology already exists to change the state lottery programs. Residents who want to purchase State lottery tickets would be given a special debit VISA card. Residents would be allowed to purchase up to a percentage of their last year's income divided by the month. Example: Resident made $20,000 in 2001. If the amount allowed was up to 5% of their income, the resident would have up to $83 per month to spend on the lottery. The money would be transferred from the resident’s bank account or sent to the state in the form of a money order by the resident. Note: If the resident was a little short on cash, they could reduce the transfer or use some or all of the cash on the special debit VISA card for any other purchases. Note: All State lottery purchases and winnings would be only processed on the special debit VISA card.
Many people will say, “Why change a system to prevent a few from abusing it?” Those that abuse the system do not only hurt themselves. They cause problems for their families and society. Yes, sales will be reduced by the new system but the State should not be in the business of hurting the people they are responsible to protect.
Changing the current system is the responsibility of our State government. This will not be easy during a time when States are finding themselves in budget shortages.
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How to find your elected officials: TownHall.com has a section where you can find out who is your elected officials in your area.
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