Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush on Wednesday rolled out his plan to shift more power from Washington back to the states, saying the federal government had grown too intrusive and oppressive under President Obama.
“The federal government is amassing power at the states’ expense, despite the fact that state leaders are closer to the schools our children attend, the hospitals that care for our sick and the water we drink. Hillary Clinton is offering more of the same,” the former Florida governor said in an op-ed article published on the Fox News website.
“As a former governor, I know that many problems, even some that are of national scope, do not call for federal solutions,” he said. “Across the domestic operations of the federal government, I believe that shifting power to the states would simultaneously improve policy outcomes, put money back into American taxpayers’ pockets and enhance individual liberty.”
He presented a five-point plan:
• Strictly adhere to the Constitution’s limits on federal power
• Nominate and appoint agency officials committed to federalism
• Reform the regulatory process
• Enhance state enforcement of federal immigration policies
• Promote state-driven labor and employment policies
“When it comes to honoring the 10th Amendment, I’m all in,” said Mr. Bush, referring to portion of the Bill of Rights that stipulates that all power not granted the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states.
“I believe states must be re-empowered to exercise their constitutional freedom to govern their citizens — and that’s what I will do as president of the United States,” he said.
• S.A. Miller can be reached at smiller@washingtontimes.com.
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