During the COVID-19 pandemic, several states utilized taxpayer funds to organize vaccine lotteries as an incentive for people to get vaccinated. West Virginia conducted one of the largest sweepstakes, allowing individuals who received the COVID shot to participate in cash and prize giveaways.
However, there are concerns about the costs of the lottery and its effectiveness. CBS News has revealed that federal investigators have subpoenaed Governor Jim Justice’s office regarding the sweepstakes. The focus of the investigation is on car dealers who provided trucks as prizes to lottery winners, questioning the expenses incurred by taxpayers.
Grace Fowler, a dedicated medical worker aiming to support her community during the coronavirus pandemic, was delighted to receive a brand-new truck as a surprise after participating in the Do it for Babydog vaccine lottery. She was one of the fortunate winners among hundreds, as the sweepstakes, named after the governor’s pet dog, offered more than $20 million in prizes, surpassing the lotteries of neighboring states like Ohio and Maryland. The prizes included scholarships, vacations, cash, and vehicles.
However, Fowler soon discovered that the value of her truck may have been inflated, leading to a hefty tax bill of over $20,000. This revelation shocked her, prompting her to reconsider accepting future prizes. The lottery has also sparked a political dispute in West Virginia, as Governor Jim Justice, a Republican who is running for U.S. Senate, has faced criticism from State Auditor JB McCuskey. McCuskey claims that the lottery was hastily executed, funneling taxpayer money to private businesses without proper evaluation.
Furthermore, Republican State Senator Eric Tarr raised doubts about the effectiveness of the vaccine lottery in increasing vaccination rates. “You would expect to see a noticeable impact if it was truly an effective strategy,” Tarr mentioned. A study conducted in 2021 even revealed that state-led vaccine lotteries had no significant influence on persuading unvaccinated individuals to get inoculated against COVID.
Governor Jim Justice declined an interview with CBS News, although his team confirmed cooperation with federal investigators by providing requested records. Upon realizing the implications of the hefty tax burden, Fowler decided to sell her truck. The governor’s office acknowledged that Fowler was not the only winner who felt compelled to sell their prize. Unfortunately, the car dealer responsible for supplying Fowler’s truck did not respond to CBS News’ request for comment. However, documents suggest that the dealer claimed additional features were included in the truck, justifying its increased value.
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