A native Texan, Bush moved to Florida in 1980. He served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and later made an unsuccessful run for president in 2016. He now resides in Miami-Dade County, retired from political life. In a recent interview with Reason’s Nick Gillespie, Bush discussed the factors contributing to Florida’s growth as a popular destination for people seeking less government intervention in their everyday lives.
Bush credited Florida’s superior infrastructure and tax code as key factors in attracting new residents from across the country. He noted that Florida and Texas, both red states, are outperforming New York and California in terms of population growth, attributing this to smaller governments and a focus on limited government intervention.
When asked about the state of Florida’s education system, Bush touted the state’s focus on accountability and school choice. He emphasized the importance of empowering parents and offering diverse educational options for students. He also highlighted the success of the University of Florida as a top public university with low tuition rates and Bright Future Scholarships.
Regarding recent legislation in Florida, such as the Stop WOKE Act, Bush expressed some concerns about restricting discussions of certain topics in schools. He stressed the need for open dialogue and the importance of allowing for honest discourse, regardless of differing opinions.
On the topic of immigrants bringing their values to Florida, Bush noted that many people are leaving places like California in search of economic opportunities and relief from high taxes. He pointed out that Miami-Dade County has a significant population born outside of the United States, and emphasized that the diversity of backgrounds contributes to the area’s unique character.
Overall, Bush expressed optimism about the future of Florida as a destination for people seeking less government intervention and emphasized the importance of maintaining this balance to ensure continued prosperity.