[E. Pluribus Unum]

Indeed, given their prodigal spending habits, they can only hope that Californians' nicotine habit grows.

Shouldn't this be prodigious?

[Dakmar]

One thing's for sure - you'll never see that money again.

[martin_fierro]

No, "prodigal" is OK:

prodigal

\Prod"i*gal\, a. [L. prodigus, from prodigere to drive forth, to squander away; pro forward, forth + agere to drive; cf. F. prodigue. Given to extravagant expenditure; expending money or other things without necessity; recklessly or viciously profuse; lavish; wasteful; not frugal or economical; as, a prodigal man; the prodigal son; prodigal giving; prodigal expenses.

In fighting fields [patriots] were prodigal of blood. --Dryden.

Syn: Profuse; lavish; extravagant; squandering; wasteful.