On Wednesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced the state would be giving away five prizes of $1 million to five lucky Ohioans aged 18 and older who have been vaccinated beginning May 26th. There will also be a draw for those under the age of 18 with a prize of a full scholarship to any Ohio state college or university.
First, I'm all for giving incentives to people to get vaccinated if it means the reduction in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Second, as far as incentives go it is hard to top a $1 million cash prize. If I were hesitant to get the COVID vaccine the thought of $1 million could alleviate that hesitancy. As it stands I am not hesitant (my second Moderna shot is scheduled to take place tomorrow afternoon). If I were a resident of Ohio I would enter that draw in a heartbeat.
Third, notwithstanding my second point, if DeWine had proposed spending that $5 million giving out $2,000 checks to vaccinated Ohioans instead of five $1 million draws then 2,500 individuals and families would benefit. As a matter of public policy, if federal COVID-19 funds are to be used to pay out cash to vaccinated individuals that money should benefit as many individuals and families as possible rather than arbitrarily benefit five "lucky people".
The same principle is true for the scholarship prizes. If one wants to encourage young people to get vaccines and get a college/university education in Ohio then scholarship money should be allocated to as many individuals as possible.
With that I wish those vaccinated Ohioans who become millionaires and those who receive full college scholarships all the luck and success in the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment