California officials have a secret plan for solving the state budget problem.
The lottery, you say?
Pshaw! This plan goes to the heart of every Californian. In a jujitsu like maneuver, the plan uses one of Californians' great weaknesses as a way to gain a positive result for the state.
California is known for a number of things. Some are regional such as surfing or movie making. But what all Californians are known for is their love of driving. The automobile -- that's the ticket to solving the budget problem.
The price of gas seems to have no ceiling. As this is written, the average statewide price is $4.34 according to one website. Each dollar spent on gas is subject to a state and local sales tax. So as the price of gasoline hurtles skyward like a rocket ship, dollars from the sales tax take zooms upward right along with it.
But hauling in new tax dollars on the back of gas price increases is only part of this diabolical plan.
The coup de grace will hit in less than 30 days. For on July 1 and after, if a driver is using his or her cell phone without a hands-free device the driver is subject to a fine. There will be no warnings given. The first offense costs $25; the second offense costs $50.
And, even more ominously, according to a Q & A on the DMV website: With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be more than triple the base fine amount.
When next you're driving look around you. That is while you're not talking on you're cell phone ... and see how many of the drivers around you are talking on their cell phones. Picking up the fines will be like finding diamonds scattered on the ground. No digging required.
Sure, there may not be enough cops to nab all the violators but I'm sure there is a plan to increase the number necessary and pay for the new positions out of the fines as well as piling up dough in government coffers.
But there's one more feature to the new law on cell phones and driving that will seal the deal and bring in the revenue needed.
Under the law you can't drive and use a cell phone at all if you're under 18. No hands-free devices-nothing! Can you imagine teenagers not using cell phones? The fines will pile up. Just as I said-this scheme is diabolical.
Yes, the budget deficit is as good as fixed.
