Fat chance, but here’s how Scott could spend your money

Thanks to President Obama’s stimulus dollars and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s stewardship of the economy, Florida anticipates having a revenue surplus of an estimated $ 845 million next year.

Of course, without a shred of proof, Gov. Scott boasts that the fiscal rosiness is because he cut taxes and reduced red tape so businesses can operate more profitably. Predictably, already in re- election mode, the nation’s consistently most unpopular governorwants to use $ 500 million of the windfall to cut taxes and fees— trying to curry favor with Florida voters.

The guv also embarked on a “listening” tour of the state, pretending towant to hear howFloridians think all that extra lucre should be spent. But if the past is any predictor of the present, Scott may be listening but hewon’t be hearing messages that don’t jibe with his. Like Mitt Romney and every other CEO who should never become an elected official, his only real priorities are to pander to the private sector and dole out millions to winners and losers among his corporate cronies.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Scott somehowmissed askingmy dueling partner, Kingsley Guy, and me for our thoughts on howto spend the surplus. No offense taken, we’ve decided to share our thoughts.

First, the easiest and most democratic way to use the whole $ 845 millionwould be to divide it up equally among every man, woman, and child in the state. It’s their money to begin with. The estimated 20 million Floridianswould each receive $ 42; a family of four, $ 168. No one’s going to save or invest so small an amount; they’ll pump it right back into the economy,