Proposal: National Lottery

I propose a national tax lottery. The prizes. $1 million for each congressional district ($435 million). Two $10 million for each state ($500 million). 5 $1 million prizes for all those outside a state. ($5 million). And one $60 overall grand prize winner. For a total outlay of $1 billion. [Other option: 10 $100 million prizes for an additional $1 billion].

The prizes would be tax free.

Every person would be able to buy an entry for $1 which would provide an entry to the overall grand prize(s), and entry to state and districts drawings. In addition, an entry would be provided for each dollar paid in federal taxes, income and social security. Workers would get a credit for employer portion of social security taxes paid. An entry would be valid only if the taxes are paid on time.

Why do this? Two billion is a miniscule amount of the total federal budget. It would encourage those to pay their taxes on time. It provides a possible reward to those who pay taxes. And it could actually increase total revenue if people (and foreigners) buy entries.