Bush swipes Clinton’s economic plan, says his will grow jobs

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (AP) — Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush dismissed new economic proposals from Hillary Rodham Clinton on Monday, saying her plan would not grow the economy or boost wages.

During an Iowa campaign stop, the GOP presidential hopeful said Clinton’s new economic agenda is a “continuation of the Obama economics, which has been a complete disaster.”

Before more than 100 people gathered at Morningside College, Bush said he wanted to overhaul taxes and regulations to grow the economy. He said he wants people with part-time jobs to get full-time work, if they want it. And he touted his record in Florida, saying that he had cut taxes and grown jobs.

“High, sustained economic growth has to be part of this answer, and Mrs. Clinton just has it wrong,” Bush said, of the Democratic front-runner.

Earlier in the day, Clinton outlined her economic plan in New York, pledging to crack down on Wall Street excess and offering support for a higher federal minimum wage. The former secretary of state criticized recent comments from Bush, who said last week in New Hampshire that “people need to work longer hours.” Clinton argued that people don’t need lectures, they need raises.

Bush agreed that workers need raises, but said Clinton’s plans will suppress wage growth.

“What we’re proposing is reforming regulation and taxes so that people’s income can grow. You can’t do that by creating policies where 30 hours is acceptable,” Bush said.

During a question and answer session, Bush affirmed his support for increasing border security to prevent illegal immigration. He said he’ll provide a specific plan for reforming Social Security and Medicare. He also questioned a potential Iran nuclear deal.

“I don’t see the benefit of this to be honest with you. We’re going to legitimize the regime that has made no commitment to free its own people,” Bush said.

Bush is on his second trip to Iowa since he declared his candidacy last month. He appeared in Sioux City in the afternoon and was to attend a GOP dinner in Ames that night. He is scheduled to appear in Council Bluffs Tuesday.

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