Can he be the small business president?
Jeb Bush officially declared his candidacy for the 2016 presidential race this week, joining the growing roster of Republican hopefuls. Bush emphasized broad economic gains, along with policies and tax cuts that will help the middle class and put power back in the hands of workers and business owners.
But is he right for small biz?
His campaign has drawn mainly on his experience as Florida governor, where he led the state to No. 1 in both small business and job creation. This is in addition to large GDP growth and eight consecutive years of balanced budgets and tax cuts.
Bush will likely be a serious contender in the Republican race. Here’s where he stands on a few issues affecting small business:
Minimum Wage
“We need to leave it to the private sector. I think state minimum wages are fine. The federal government shouldn’t be doing this. The federal government doing this will make it harder and harder for the first rung of the ladder to be reached, particularly for young people, and particularly for people that have less education.” Reported by The Hill from Bush’s campaign stop in South Carolina, March 17, 2015.
Economy
“That will be my goal as president – 4 percent growth and the 19 million new jobs that come with it. Economic growth that makes a difference for hardworking men and women—who don’t need reminding that the economy is more than the stock market. Growth that lifts up the middle class – all the families who haven’t gotten a raise in 15 years. Growth that makes a difference for everyone. It’s possible. It can be done.” Reported by Politico from Bush’s campaign announcement speech.
Taxes
“Leaders have to think big, and we’ve got a tax code filled with small-time thinking and self-interested politics. What swarms of lobbyists have done, we can undo with a vastly simpler system—clearing out special favors for the few by reducing rates for all.” Reported by Politico from Bush’s campaign announcement speech.
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore
*Note: this news coverage does not equate to an endorsement of any candidate by NFIB.
