Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will most likely continue being a "tax-cutter" if he is elected to the White House as he did during two terms years in the Statehouse in Tallahassee, the Club for Growth predicted
in a report released on Saturday.
Bush is widely expected to announce his candidacy for president of the United States on Monday
in Florida.
"Jeb Bush's record as governor was that of a tax-cutter," the conservative fiscal watchdog group said in its white paper — concluding that, "We predict Governor Bush will generally govern as a pro-growth conservative."
"Many have compared him to his brother," former President George W. Bush, the group continued, "who amassed a similar record of great success … . That comparison is probably apt."
Based on Jeb Bush's gubernatorial record, however, "we suspect that the successes could be larger, including more structural reforms," the report said.
In its eight-page document
, the Club for Growth detailed Bush's record on such issues as taxes, government spending, entitlement reform, regulation and school choice.
On the tax front, the report notes that Bush:
- Worked throughout both terms "for tax cuts and consistently opposed tax increases."
- Proposed more than $1 billion in tax cuts in his first budget in 1999, including a 6.2 percent drop in the property tax.
- Signed legislation in 2006 to repeal the state's alcohol tax and cut the "intangible personal property tax" on stocks, bonds and related investments.
- Supported tax exemptions on equipment companies used for research, manufacturing and film production.
- Signed six bills granting sales tax holidays into law between 1999 and 2006.
Regarding entitlement reform, the report noted how Bush introduced "a bold plan" to privatize the state's Medicaid program for seniors and low-income residents. The state legislature, however, spurned much of the governor's agenda.
"Still, Bush's proposal was impressive and led to future reform efforts," the Club for Growth concluded.
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