Government in California -- from the Capitol to the tiniest special district -- is busted and desperate. In other words, its financial profile resembles that of a lottery player.
So, with the payout for Mega Millions estimated at $252 million tonight, every public agency in the state ought to jump into the game by having someone take a buck out of petty cash for a ticket.
OK, there's probably a law forbidding cities, school districts and the like from playing the lottery. But Mega Millions is all about dreams and, right now, a balanced budget without furloughs, layoffs and early inmate releases is the biggest dream of all.
Who couldn't use $252 million spread out over 26 years or, if you prefer, $159 million right away?
Orange Cove could put up a new building, name it after Mayor Victor Lopez and hire a Lopez family member to guard it.
Fresno might pay off $46 million Chukchansi Park and have money left over to buy a dozen chain saws for Mayor Ashley Swearengin's tree-felling campaign.
Cash-strapped Mendota could bring back its police department without having to set up speed traps.
Fresno County could build a new jail wing, halt early prisoner releases and help Sheriff Margaret Mims patch up her broken campaign promises.
Think of the fun the road-building agencies would have with $252 million: more Caltrans flagmen, and a Veterans Boulevard that is a road instead of a dead end.
The possibilities are endless for Fresno State. Win the lottery and the campus can rescind student fee increases, expand enrollment and put a few million aside for future lawsuit losses.
With a little lottery magic, Oakhurst could incorporate and become a real city. The Fresno County District Attorney's Office might hire a special prosecutor to just handle the Kirk Vartanian cases.
And what about Clovis? Can it gamble that the economy rebounds before the Clovis Way of Life is lost forever? I think not. I say go for broke, Clovis. You're nearly there already-- broke that is.
Still not convinced that our public agencies should play the lottery?
Well, here are a couple of sweeteners. Lottery payouts in California are exempt from state taxes, allowing the winners to stretch their good fortune. And, if every public agency in our red-tape-laden state buys a ticket, there's no telling how high the jackpot will go when the Mega Ball rolls out of the chute tonight.
It could be $300 million or even $400 million.
Best of all, this might be the dawn of a new era for Mega Millions.
Think what would happen if every public agency in the 12 states linked in this lottery got jackpot fever.
Oh, happy day. The game could grow -- just like state deficits have -- into Mega Billions.
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