So you want to gamble, but can't seem to put aside enough money to buy a lottery ticket?
State Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) has a solution that could help you place that losing bet you thought you couldn't afford.
While his fellow GOP lawmakers look for more traditional methods of cutting entitlements in order to bring down government spending, LaFave is introducing a somewhat radical bill that would authorize employers to withhold a portion of their wages for the purpose of "investing" them in a new lottery game.
As the first-term U.P. lawmaker sees it, HB 6527 would remove barriers that currently limit the state's gambling revenue by setting aside money each pay period for a new, yet-to-be-invented lottery game.
"The thought process behind this particular game is that you kind of have to go out of your way to play these games right now," LaFave told Michigan Capitol Confidential, a conservative political newsletter that first reported the bill's introduction. "If you make it easier, I think the majority of people would check the box to play."
If just half the workers residing in Michigan agree to have the maximum $26 deducted from their paychecks each year, LaFave figures, the new lottery game could fetch "$100 million-ish" for Michigan's School Aid Fund.
Would employers really choose to facilitate a game of chance that allowed lucky jackpot winners to say "Take this job and shove it"?
Not to worry, employers! Rep. LaFave is way ahead of you.
Because jackpots in his game expected to top out at around $10,000," he says, "winnings are low, so nobody is quitting their jobs over it."
But why stop there? If Michigan can help employees put aside money for gambling, why not allow withholding for the purchase of recreational marijuana, liquor and cigarettes, all of which generate tax revenue for the state?
Sadly, HB 6527 (whose brevity, at a mere 115 words, conceals its author's creative genius) has been referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform, which currently has no plans to take up LaFave's bill before the end of the current lame duck session.
But LaFave, whose Yooper constituents overwhelming re-elected him to a second term last month, will be back when the new Legislature convenes next month.
Editor's Note
It looks like the Michigan legislature needs an adult in the room.
Despite what this Michigan legislator states, the lottery is NOT an investment, and should never be looked at in that manner. The lottery is entertainment only, and you should never spend more than you can afford to lose. Committing a portion of every paycheck to play a lottery game is a very bad idea.
On the other hand, it would be a GREAT idea to dedicate a portion of every paycheck to things such as a 401K retirement plan, a healthcare savings account, and other things essential to your financial well-being.
Just when you thought you heard of it all. Sure have the government dig into your paycheck to gamble.
What on earth is this guy thinking? This?
"You know... what would be a good way we could get our hands on more of the people's money?"
"How about having them self-fund a new lotto game?"
"Don't they already do that?"
"Mainly, but this time, it's straight from their checks... It makes them pay for it whether they like it or not!"
"Hey... great idea! Let's put it in a bill and shove it through!"
I'm really starting to dislike Lansing. Nothing but ridiculousness running amok.
This is probably the most pathetic attempt at a money grab I have ever seen by a politician in my 38 years, period.
Budget what you can afford to lose on this type of entertainment. As Richard Lustig once said,
"There will be more losers than winners".
What a stupid prize! $10,000? Is the guy really a republican? If he really is a republican then the suggested prize should have been 30 years without paying Michigan income tax.
l don't know which one is worse: This or Alicia Silverstone's divorce clause, which says that even though she has to pay her ex husband $12K a month...she stops paying Chris " if he shacks up with someone for 5 months within a 1 year period."
i know i would not be wanting MY court ordered money going to a second source. and shacking up would do just that. Why should this "other" person reap the benefits?
But yeah, digging into someones paycheck is the GO TO now for state and government.....
What an insane idea. Is that guy on drugs?
... max deducted $26/yr... so LaFave is thinking everyone is on an every other week pay system? I haven't seen that in 20 years.
Nomination for most pathetic, stupid, asinine idea to come from a legislature.
Hahahahahhaha....but lets talk Social Security, can I get what u force me to pay into? Yes I'm off topic buuuuttttt..... this is soooo bizarre....Michigan!
No way? She always played ditzy parts...but real life? Her attorney is bonkers....any one with a big pay day coming can wait one year?
This is worse!
I can certainly understand A.S divorce clause after what happened to Jessica Simpson when she divorced Nick he and now wife lived off J.S all those years until the money stopped. Now that's sad! What a 'man' LOL
Yep sure enough a repub look what top one is doing with Our S.S majority of us has paid into all these years, Our Benefits are in his $1.9 Trillion dollar cut pkg for next year!
HIT2NITE: n.g said during a one year period, meaning TIME not only for one year....
Arizona Is still on every other week pay system! It's a right to work state.
Don't know how many other states are? I know some states pay every week.
Does depend on what kind of job you have though my last job I got six checks a month. Other departments paid once a month.
If this doesn't prove the reality that what a waste government is... I don't know what will!