Back in October -- when Congress and then-President Bush were putting the finishing touches on a huge financial bailout bill -- we argued that the money should go to taxpayers, not financial institutions.
Give each taxpayer a $200,000 check -- tax-free -- and watch us stimulate the economy.
Needless to say, that didn't happen.
But now the nation's workers are finally going to get a share of the economic recovery package.
It's called "Making Work Pay" -- $60 billion in tax credits over two years.
It will mean more money in each paycheck -- because employers are taking out less in federal withholding taxes.
But don't plan a spending spree with all the extra cash.
The money is being divvied up among 110 million working families nationwide.
The most an individual could get is $400 a year -- and only if he or she makes less than $75,000.
A couple making less than $150,000 nets an additional $800.
And it's coming in dribs and drabs -- about an extra $10 or $20 per pay.
If the goal is to help people pay off debts, buy a new car or invest in the stock market -- this isn't going to do the trick.
Think about it.
Banks and other financial institutions got hundreds of billions in bailout money, while their executives and employees made millions in salaries and bonuses.
And the average working guy or gal gets $20 a week for two years.
It's an embarrassment of riches.
Actually, it's just an embarrassment.
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