September 4, 2001: Two years after abolishing affirmative action programs for minority-owned companies, Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said on Tuesday they are now getting an unprecedented share of state spending. Flanked by charts and minority business owners, Bush said data from his budget office showed that jettisoning set aside programs and quotas have not, as critics had predicted, undermined minority business competing for the nearly $15 billion in goods and services purchased every year by the state. See article Minorities' Share of Florida Business Said Growing.
When Jeb entered office, the SUS was still using race as factor in admissions. Connerly rode in and tried to force Jeb to go by his own plan, which didn't have widespread support at the time. Jeb set up his One Florida or "Talented 20" plan, which eliminated race based initiatives. It was a huge success against affirmative action, and really shouldn't be viewed as anything else.
Also, Jeb and the House Republicans have refused to raise taxes, even when revenues were severely hurt after 9/11. They did what all conservatives should do when they take in less money; they tightened the budget and spent less. Jeb also supports tort reform and a $250,000 cap on non-economic damages, and he has refused to give into the Senate RINOs and the trial bar. He is revamping the Medicaid program to cut costs. He helped pass a special bill just for Terri Schiavo. How is he a RINO?