Current:Home > ContactWest Virginia governor defends "Do it for Babydog" vaccine lottery after federal subpoena -FundPrime
West Virginia governor defends "Do it for Babydog" vaccine lottery after federal subpoena
View
Date:2025-04-13 16:06:51
Republican West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice defended West Virginia's multi-million-dollar "Do it for Babydog" vaccine incentive lottery Tuesday after critics raised questions and federal investigators subpoenaed Justice's office for information about the cost of some of the new trucks given to some sweepstakes winners.
"Everyone was pushing everybody to try to get more and more and more vaccines in people's arms," Justice said during his weekly online news conference. "We received a subpoena to supply information, we supplied it all."
The governor's chief of staff, Brian Abraham, said the federal request for documents was focused on some of the car dealers who had provided luxury vehicles to sweepstakes winners, and Justice's office was not under investigation for any wrongdoing.
The first lottery winners were announced on June 21, 2021. Grace Fowler was one of the winners announced on July 14, 2021. She brought home a new truck and says she then learned its value may have been inflated, and along with it, her tax bill, which exceeded $20,000. She ultimately decided to sell the truck.
"There was a question as to how much was charged for the vehicles," Abraham said, but he added that "it's our understanding in talking again and cooperating that the matter's been concluded."
The "Do it for Babydog" vaccine lottery, named for Justice's English bulldog, faced criticism after more than $20 million in federal taxpayer money was spent on sweepstakes prizes, outspending incentive lotteries in larger states like neighboring Ohio, CBS News reported Monday. But Justice, defending the sweepstakes, argued that the race to boost vaccinations had no playbook.
"We were late to the party on this. We had many people come out and say why don't you do what Ohio's doing," the West Virginia governor said. "We got a lot of people across the finish line. There's no question in the entire world."
There have been questions about whether incentive programs succeeded in persuading those reluctant to get vaccinated. The peer-reviewed Journal of American Medical Association concluded that in West Virginia and several other states, vaccine incentive lotteries failed to deliver a significant uptick in vaccinations, although the study did acknowledge an uptick in certain other states with similar programs.
During the governor's virtual briefing Tuesday, CBS News congressional correspondent Scott MacFarlane, who reported on federal scrutiny of the "Do it for Babydog" vaccine lottery on Monday, was abruptly removed from the video call without explanation and was unable to inquire about the sweepstakes. Justice argued that media reports about the federal inquiry into the state's incentive program were politicized and "driven by one thing and one thing alone... Justice is running for the Senate and it is probable that he's going to win, and if he wins, we're going to flip control."
- In:
- COVID-19 Vaccine
veryGood! (861)
Related
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- SEC showdowns highlight college football Week 6 expert predictions for every Top 25 game
- Black man details alleged beating at the hands of a white supremacist group in Boston
- Simone Biles Reveals Truth of Calf Injury at 2024 Paris Olympics
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Naomi Watts joined at New York Film Festival by her 'gigantic' dog co-star
- Dockworkers’ union suspend strike until Jan. 15 to allow time to negotiate new contract
- Judge refuses to dismiss Alabama lawsuit over solar panel fees
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Euphoria's Jacob Elordi Joins Olivia Jade Giannulli on Family Vacation With Mom Lori Loughlin
Ranking
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- A deadly hurricane is the latest disruption for young athletes who already have endured a pandemic
- Saoirse Ronan made a life for herself. Now, she's 'ready to be out there again.'
- Mark Estes and the Montana Boyz Will Be “Looking for Love” in New Show After Kristin Cavallari Split
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Augusta National damaged by Hurricane Helene | Drone footage
- Nibi the ‘diva’ beaver to stay at rescue center, Massachusetts governor decides
- Judge refuses to dismiss Alabama lawsuit over solar panel fees
Recommendation
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
Armed person broke into Michigan home of rabbi hosting Jewish students, authorities say
South Carolina sets Nov. 1 execution as state ramps up use of death chamber
Mark Estes and the Montana Boyz Will Be “Looking for Love” in New Show After Kristin Cavallari Split
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
Garth Brooks Speaks Out on Rape Allegation From His and Trisha Yearwood's Makeup Artist
Why Jordyn Woods and Boyfriend Karl-Anthony Towns Are Sparking Engagement Rumors
Dockworkers’ union suspend strike until Jan. 15 to allow time to negotiate new contract