Cut Government, Win Lunch
A contest announced Wednesday by a conservative think tank is asking the public for ideas on how to cut, trim, slash, prune and reduce state government.
“The chance of winning is better than the state lottery,” said Sen. Bill Leonard (R-Redlands).
The prize is not better. The winners get a free lunch and, say contest backers, the undying gratitude of California taxpayers.
Contestants “are urged to help save our state from economic destruction,” said Sally Pipes of the Pacific Research Institute. With the economy slumping, Gov. Pete Wilson and the Legislature are facing possible multibillion-dollar deficits by 1993.
The institute, a San Francisco-based think tank that promotes free markets and limited government, announced that the competition is restricted to ideas that will reduce state government, contract its functions out to private companies or turn entire programs over to private agencies.
Entrants must submit a proposal of up to 1,500 words by March 15 describing a state government activity that can be restructured, reduced or turned over to the private sector. A panel of judges will select the 10 or 15 best proposals by May 15.
The winners are to be honored at a luncheon in November and their plans will be submitted to Wilson and the Legislature.
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