Florida Man Buys State: Koch Impacts in the Sunshine State:
Jeb Bush’s Longstanding Ties to the Koch-Backed James Madison Institute

Bush Served On Board of James Madison Institute From 1990-1993, Until His First Run for Governor

Gov. Jeb Bush Was A Member Of The JMI Board Of Directors From 1990-1993. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, The Honorable Jeb Bush, Miami served on the JMI Board of Directors from 1990 to 1993. [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

JMI Noted That 3 People Had Been Elected To Florida Leadership After Serving On JMI’s Board, Including Jeb Bush, Tom Feeney, And Don Gaetz. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Jeb Bush, Tom Feeney, and Don Gaetz: From JMI’s Board to Leadership Roles[…] Principled leadership doesn’t happen by accident. It is a lifetime commitment. That can certainly be said of many of the leaders who have served on The James Madison Institute’s board of directors over the past twenty-five years.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

JMI: “While Most Of JMI’s Board Members Have No Inclination To Go Into Elected Office, A Few Have. But Before They Became Known To Most Floridians, They Took An Active Role In The Governance Of The Institute.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “While most of JMI’s board members have no inclination to go into elected office, a few have. But before they became known to most Floridians, they took an active role in the governance of the Institute.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Bush Joined JMI’s Board When He Was 37 And “At The Time Of His Departure,” His Father Had Recently Lost His Re-Election Bid “But A New Star In The Bush Family Was On The Rise.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “In 1990, at the age of 37, Jeb Bush joined JMI’s board of directors, a post he would serve in until 1993. At the time of his departure from JMI’s board, his father, President George H.W. Bush, had recently lost a re-election bid, but a new star in the Bush family was on the rise.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

JMI: Bush “Is Often Recognized As One Of Florida’s Greatest And Most Accomplished Governors.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Later, Bush would run for office again, winning the 1998 election for governor and serving two terms. He is often recognized as one of Florida’s greatest and most accomplished governors. Due to his commitment to furthering school choice and other educational reforms across the nation, and being the son and brother of two former Presidents, he has become a national leader in the conservative movement.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

James Madison Institute Launched School Choice Group Co-Chaired By Bush In 1991

Jeb Bush Served As Co-Chair Of Floridians For Education Choice, Which Was Formed By JMI, In 1991. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Floridians for Educational Choice was formed in April by the James Madison Institute for Public Policy Studies, a conservative think tank in Tallahassee. The group is drumming up support for a school choice bill, which it hopes to push through the Legislature next session. One of the co-chairs of the group is Jeb Bush, son of President Bush, who has long espoused private school choice.” [St. Petersburg Times, 9/22/91]

1994: St. Petersburg Times Called JMI Jeb Bush’s “Favorite Right-Wing Think-Tank” During His First Run for Governor

The St. Petersburg Times Referred To JMI As “Bush’s Favorite Right-Wing Think-Tank” In 1994. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “That curious exception could be significant, given that [Jeb] Bush’s favorite right-wing think-tank, the James Madison Institute of Tallahassee, has now come out with a report calling for repeal of Florida’s intangibles tax.” [St. Petersburg Times, 10/11/94]

Between Gubernatorial Runs, Bush’s Foundation for Florida’s Future and James Madison Institute Co-Hosted and Funded Each Other’s Initiatives

Jeb Bush’s Organization Supported A JMI-Hosted Conference Featuring Margaret Thatcher, Called “Reclaiming America’s Moral & Cultural Heritage.” According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher is scheduled to visit the Clearwater area next month to speak at a conference on ‘Reclaiming America’s Moral & Cultural Heritage.’ Why ask a retired foreign head of state to discuss America’s moral course? ‘Lady Thatcher has established herself as a world leader,’ said John Clendenin, director of communications for the James Madison Institute, which is sponsoring the conference […]Other supporters of the conference include the Foundation for Florida’s Freedom, which 1994 Republican governor candidate Jeb Bush helped found, and the Christian Coalition.” [St. Petersburg Times, 3/20/96]

A Former Employee Of Bush’s Foundation for Florida’s Future Started The Charter Foundation, Which Received Its First Donation From The James Madison Institute. According to the Florida Times-Union, “Jonathan Hage, chairman and president of The Charter Foundation, hopes to raise $ 521,000 from businesses to pay for its activities, including the issuance of grants of about $ 25,000 to each of 10 particularly needy schools. Hage was formerly with Foundation for Florida’s Future, the group started by Jeb Bush that was involved in starting a charter school in Miami. Stanley Marshall of the James Madison Institute in Tallahassee handed Hage a $ 25,000 check yesterday as the first cash installment toward its budget.” [Florida Times-Union, 8/27/96]

1997: Foundation for Florida’s Future and James Madison Institute Co-Sponsored Legislative Workshop That Florida Legislators Were Given The Day Off To Attend

JMI And FFF Co-Sponsored A Legislative Workshop That Florida Legislators Were Given The Day Off To Attend. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “State Rep. Lars Hafner was stunned when he got his schedule for legislative committee meetings next week. Nothing was on the state House calendar for Tuesday, even though lawmakers will be in the capital all day at taxpayer expense. Why the blank schedule? Republican House Speaker Dan Webster wants to give lawmakers the opportunity to go to a legislative workshop co-sponsored by a foundation led by Jeb Bush, Florida’s most prominent Republican. […] Bush’s Foundation for Florida’s Future and the James Madison Institute will co-sponsor the legislative workshop Tuesday at Tallahassee’s civic center.” [St. Petersburg Times, 1/3/97]

Bush Personally Approved Merger of His Own Think Tank With James Madison Institute During His Gubernatorial Tenure, JMI Spun Bush’s Foundation Back Off For Him After End of Second Term

After Bush Was Elected In 1998, Bush Approved a Merger of Foundation for Florida’s Future With The James Madison Institute

JMI: Foundation For Florida’s Future And JMI “Collaborated On A Number Of Efforts,” JMI Founder Stanley Marshall Was Founding Member Of Board Of Foundation According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “FFF and JMI collaborated on a number of efforts. Dr. Stanley Marshall served on the Foundation’s board of directors from the beginning and Jeb [Bush] served on JMI’s board of directors in the early 1990s.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

After Bush Left FFF To Run For Governor, JMI And FFF “With Jeb’s Encouragement, Discussed More Seriously A Possible Merger.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “When Jeb [Bush] announced his campaign for Governor in 1997, he was succeeded as FFF chairman by Jacksonville Mayor John Delaney. Shortly after, Mayor Delaney and Dr. Marshall, with Jeb’s encouragement, discussed more seriously a possible merger.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

JMI: “This Merger Took Place Only Weeks After Jeb Became Governor And He Expressed His Endorsement Of The Merger.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “This merger took place only weeks after Jeb [Bush] became Governor and he expressed his endorsement of the merger.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Gov. Jeb Bush: “The Foundation And JMI Have Worked Together For Years To Promote Sound Public Policy In Florida…The New Organization Will Have An Even Greater Impact Throughout The State.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “This merger took place only weeks after Jeb [Bush] became Governor and he expressed his endorsement of the merger. ‘The Foundation and JMI have worked together for years to promote sound public policy in Florida,’ he said. ‘“I am proud of what both of these groups have accomplished and know that by combining staff and resources, the new organization will have an even greater impact throughout the state.’” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Stanley Marshall: “Both Organizations Stand For Pretty Much The Same Things – Economic Freedom, Limited And Effective Government, Individual Liberty Coupled With Responsibility, Traditional Western Values, Free Markets.” According to the Associated Press, “The James Madison Institute, founded in 1987 by former Florida State University President Stanley Marshall, is taking over the Jacksonville-based Foundation for Florida’s Future, which [Jeb] Bush established. The merged organization will carry both names – ‘The James Madison Institute: A Foundation for Florida’s Future.’ ‘We think combining the resources of the two organizations will enable us to do a better job and do it more efficiently,’ Marshall said Friday. ‘Both organizations stand for pretty much the same things – economic freedom, limited and effective government, individual liberty coupled with responsibility, traditional Western values, free markets, and the use of the market in preference to more government to affect change.’” [AP, 2/13/99]

James Madison Institute Founder Stan Marshall Emailed Bush To Recruit The Foundation For Florida’s Future to Join The State Policy Network Before End of Bush’s Term, Bush Agreed to Meeting

Stan Marshall Asked Bush To Meet To Discuss “The Think Tanks That Comprise The State Policy Network, And Whether There Might Be Any Symbiotic Relationship Between” The Foundation For Florida’s Future And SPN. According to an email from Stanley Marshall to Gov. Jeb Bush on August 7, 2006, “Another topic I’d like to touch on is the emerging strength of the think tanks that comprise the State Policy Network, and whether there might be any symbiotic relationship between FFFF and SPN.” [Stanley Marshall Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 8/7/06]

  • Jeb Bush Email To Stan Marshall: “I Would Love To Visit With You.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Stanley Marshall on August 7, 2006, “thank you Stan. I would love to visit with you. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Stanley Marshall, 8/7/06]

After Bush’s Term Ended, The James Madison Institute “Released” The Foundation for Florida’s Future, And Bush Returned to Serve as Chairman

After Bush’s Term As Governor Ended, JMI “Released” FFF, Where Bush Returned To Serve As Chair. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “After Jeb left the Governor’s mansion in January 2007, JMI ‘released’ the Foundation and Jeb returned to serve as its chairman. JMI and FFF have both grown substantially since that time and continue to work together to promote education reform in Florida and beyond.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Bush Engaged Heavily With The James Madison Institute During And After Tenure as Governor

Then-Vice President George Bush Letter To JMI: “I Have Heard Many Good Things About The Madison Institute, From My Son, Jeb.” According to a letter from George Bush contained in JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Dear Dr. Marshall: I have heard many good things about the Madison Institute from my son, Jeb, and many others. You and your colleagues are to be commended for your fine work. By promoting sound, innovative approaches to public policy, the Madison Institute will help ensure the continuation of vibrant economic growth in the southeast and throughout the nation. I hope our paths cross soon. Many best wishes.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Political Blogger Peter Schorsch: “Men Such As Jeb Bush And Marco Rubio Owe Some Part Of Their Careers To The Path” That Was “Blazed” By James Madison Institute Founder Dr. J. Stanley Marshall. According to an opinion by political blogger Peter Schorsch in the Sun-Sentinel, “He [James Madison Institute Founder Dr. J. Stanley Marshall] became the Barry Goldwater and the William Buckley of Florida’s conservative movement. He created a home for conservative political thought in a state that had come to be dominated by men such as Reuben Askew and Lawton Chiles. Men such as Jeb Bush and Marco Rubio owe some part of their careers to the path Marshall blazed. Marshall ran for office himself and lost badly but proudly, challenging the education establishment he has feuded with his entire career. But again, it’s not about what Marshall did.” [Peter Schorsch – Sun Sentinel, 3/18/13]

Bush Staff Edited A JMI Paper On Tax Policy at Request of JMI President

Bush Staff Edited A JMI Paper After JMI President Ed Moore Sent It To Them To Review. According to an email from Bush staffer Donna Arduin to Gov. Jeb Bush, “Don has made one technical edit/Greg is reviewing also —–Original Message—– From: Ed Moore [mailto:emoore@jamesmadison.org] Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 4:54 PM To: Arduin, Donna Subject: Fw: tax Donna Please do me a favor and read this draft as a peer review expert on the impact of tax policy on Florida. We would like to publish this quickly so please review sooner if possible. Thanks for your help. Ed” [Donna Arduin Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 4/17/02]

Bush Wrote Article for Fall 2006 Issue of James Madison Institute Journal Titled “For My Successor: Five Lessons I Learned As Governor.”

Gov. Jeb Bush Wrote An Article For The Fall 2006 Journal Of The James Madison Institute Titled “For My Successor: Five Lessons I Learned As Governor.” [Jeb Bush – Journal of the James Madison Institute, Fall 2006]

The Vice Chair of Both James Madison Institute and Foundation for Florida’s Future Said To Have Had “The Ear Of Gov. Jeb Bush.”

Linda Gill Served As Vice Chair Of The James Madison Institute And Foundation For Florida’s Future, And The Sun-Sentinel Said She Had “The Ear Of Gov. Jeb Bush.” According to the Sun-Sentinel, “LINDA L. GILL Age: 49. Profession/Position: Hotel operator. Resume: Vice president, Gill Hotels, which owns and runs the Sheraton Yankee Clipper and Trader hotels on Fort Lauderdale beach; was instrumental ending the raucous Spring Break image and turning Fort Lauderdale into a more upscale resort; board member FLA USA; chair-elect, Greater Fort Lauderdale Lodging & Hospitality Association; vice chair, James Madison Institute/Foundation for Florida’s Future, a think tank extremely influential with the Republicans in the Legislature; trustee, Nova Southeastern University; past president, Broward Women’s Alliance. Clout: A Republican who can get things done even in a county run by Democrats, she has the ear of Gov. Jeb Bush.” [Sun-Sentinel, 6/30/02]

Gov. Jeb Bush Cited A JMI Poll In Justifying Changes Made To Florida’s Election System. According to the Associated Press, “A recent survey by the Collins Center for Public Policy and the James Madison Institute showed most Florida voters are satisfied with the state’s election reform measures. ‘While a recent Collins Center survey indicated that nine out of 10 Floridians enjoy restored confidence in our electoral system, we will not rest on our laurels,’ [Jeb] Bush said. ‘We must remain eternally vigilant in safeguarding the voting rights of every Floridian by continuing to strive for perfect elections.’” [AP, 11/18/02]

Former Citizens for a Sound Economy Staffer Joyce Malone Moved to Job As Director Of External Affairs For The James Madison Institute

Joyce Malone Served As Director Of External Affairs For The James Madison Institute. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Carole Jean Jordan, chairman of the state Republican Party, has announced two recent appointments. Geoffrey Becker, deputy secretary for the state Department of Business and Professional Regulation, has been named executive director for political affairs. He will direct the party’s political efforts for the 2004 election. Joyce Malone, who has served as director of external affairs for the James Madison Institute, has been named director for party development and membership affairs. She will direct the party’s grass roots efforts.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 3/9/03]

2002: Bush Emailed Approval of A Quote In His Name For JMI

Jeb Bush Was Asked To Approve A Quote In His Name Stating “The James Madison Institute Has Been A Beacon Of Conservative Thought In Florida. It Has Aged Gracefully, Providing The Bush/Brogan Administration A Fountain Of Innovative Ideas.” According to an email from Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on May 13, 2002, “Governor, are you okay with quote for JMI birthday card: ‘The James Madison Institute has been a beacon of conservative thought in Florida. It has aged gracefully, providing the Bush/Brogan Administration a fountain of innovative ideas to improve the quality of life for Floridians. Happy Birthday, JMI!’” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 5/13/02]

  • Bush Response: “Yes” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Brian Yablonski on May 13, 2002, “Yes” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Brian Yablonski, 5/13/02]

Bush Emailed James Madison Institute Founder Stanley Marshall By Nickname

Bush Called JMI Founder Stanley Marshall “Stan The Man” In An Email. According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to JMI Founder Stanley Marshall on 11/2/99, “Thanks stan the man. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Stanley Marshall, 11/2/99]

February 2006: Koch-Backed ALEC and State Policy Network Affiliate In Washington State Attempted to Offer Invitation to Annual Banquet, Grant Jeb Bush An Award

The Washington Policy Center Emailed Gov. Jeb Bush To Invite Him To A Dinner To Award Him The Annual Columbia Award; The James Madison Institute Was CCed On The Email. According to an email from Daniel Mead Smith to Gov. Jeb Bush on February 16, 2006, “Washington Policy Center would like to recognize your strong leadership and commitment to free-market and conservative principles with our 2006 Columbia Award. The presentation of this annual award will take place at our Annual Dinner held in your honor in Seattle. The Dinner, which draws our supporters, our state’s business and community leaders, and elected officials, is scheduled for this fall, and would be designed around your schedule.” [Daniel Mead Smith Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 2/16/06]

Daniel Mead Smith, President of Washington Policy Center: “You May Be Familiar With Our Organization Through Your Association With The James Madison Institute In Florida, Which Is A Fellow State Policy Network Member.” According to an email from Daniel Mead Smith to Gov. Jeb Bush on February 16, 2006, “You may be familiar with our organization through your association with the James Madison Institute in Florida, which is a fellow State Policy Network member. We work on similar issues and our founder, John Carlson, started our organization at about the same time Stan Marshall started the James Madison Institute.” [Daniel Mead Smith Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 2/16/06]

  • Bush Response, CCed to JMI: “Thank You. I Will Look Into Whether Or Not I Can Make It. I Am Honored That You Have Considered Me With Such An Honor.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Daniel Mead Smith on February 16, 2006, “thank you. I will look into whether I can make it. I am honored that you have considered me with such an honor. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Daniel Mead Smith, 2/16/06]

Bush’s Staffers Sent Him Email Briefings On Results of Meetings With President, Board Members of James Madison Institute

Bush Received Email Briefing On Staffer’s Meeting with JMI President, Including News That JMI Would Begin Replicating CSE’s Grassroots Organizing Work

Staffer Email To Jeb Bush, Subject “JMI”: “Was Meeting With Ed Moore On A Range Of Issues Yesterday.” According to an email from staffer Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on July 17, 2002. “Was meeting with Ed Moore on a range of issues yesterday. He mentioned that they hired Joyce Malone from CSE and indicated that JMI is going to be getting into more grassroots efforts, much like CSE did. Joyce will be based out of Orlando still. this is good news.” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 7/17/02]

  • Ed Moore Was President Of The James Madison Institute. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “In 2000, JMI selected Ed Moore to become its President. […] From the time he took over leadership in 2004, [J. Robert] McClure has catapulted JMI onto a whole new stage.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Staffer Email To Jeb Bush: JMI “Hired Joyce Malone From CSE And Indicated That JMI Is Going To Be Getting Into More Grassroots Efforts, Much Like CSE Did… This Is Good News.” According to an email from staffer Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on July 17, 2002, “Was meeting with Ed Moore on a range of issues yesterday. He mentioned that they hired Joyce Malone from CSE and indicated that JMI is going to be getting into more grassroots efforts, much like CSE did. Joyce will be based out of Orlando still. this is good news.” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 7/17/02]

  • Gov. Jeb Bush’s Chief Of Staff Kathleen Shanahan: “Great News.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush’s Chief of Staff, Kathleen Shanahan to Brian Yablonski on July 18, 2002, “great news” [Kathleen Shanahan Email to Brian Yablonski, cc: Jeb Bush, 7/18/02]
Bush Received Email Briefing On Staffer’s Meeting with JMI Board Member, Plans for Future Meetings

Staffer Email To Gov. Jeb Bush In September 1999 Reported That He Had Met With JMI Board Member Marty Fiorentino And Planned Another Meeting With JMI “To Discuss Long Range Help” On Bush’s Agenda. According to an email from Brian Yablonski to Gov. Jeb Bush on September 5, 1999, “Subject: Marty Fiorentino We had a good, brief meeting on Friday. He is going to arrange another meeting where I can sit with him, Dr. Marshall and some of JMI’s (I mean the Foundations) other folks to discuss long range help. Off the top of my head on friday, I mentioned our needing some assistance with civil service reform (especially after the DMS meeting a couple weeks ago), the possibility of water markets and growth management reform (something Steve Seibert is shooting for in the 2001 session). I think assistance with a civil service reform project should be at the top of the list.” [Brian Yablonski Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 9/5/99]

  • Bush Appointed Campaign Fundraiser Marty Fiorentino To The Jacksonville Port Authority; Fiorentino Also Served On The Board Of The James Madison Institute. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Marty Fiorentino. A CSX executive when he became a Bush Pioneer, Fiorentino has since opened a lobbying firm with clients including CSX, the cruise ship industry and Jacksonville. He was chief of staff of the Federal Railroad Administration and counselor to the deputy secretary of transportation under the first President Bush. He was a major fundraiser for Gov. Bush’s two campaigns, and Bush appointed Fiorentino in 2001 to the Jacksonville Port Authority. Fiorentino also is on the board of the James Madison Institute, a Libertarian-leaning think tank in Tallahassee whose board includes several Pioneers.” [St. Petersburg Times, 6/22/03]

JMI President Ed Moore Sent Bush Staff A Randal Holcombe Piece To Review And Edit Before JMI Published It. According to an Email from Ed Moore to Bush Staffer Donna Arduin, “Donna Please do me a favor and read this draft as a peer review expert on the impact of tax policy on Florida. We would like to publish this quickly so please review sooner if possible. Thanks for your help. Ed —– Original Message —– From: “Randall Holcombe” holcombe@garnet.acns.fsu.edu> To: “Ed Moore” <emoore@jamesmadison.org> Sent: Tuesday, April 16, 2002 3:23 PM Subject: Re: tax > Ed, Here’s a piece I wrote on the bonus depreciation allowance. Randy” [Ed Moore Email to Donna Arduin, 4/16/02]

Jeb Attended “Numerous” James Madison Institute Events – Including His First Public Remarks After The 2000 Recount

December 2000: Jeb Bush’s “First Public Remarks Just Days After” The 2000 Florida Recount Were At A James Madison Institute Dinner Banquet

Jeb Bush’s “First Public Remarks” After The 2000 Florida Recount Were At A JMI Dinner Banquet. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “The dinner banquets included prominent guest speakers such as William Bennett, co-director of Empower America; Governor Jeb Bush, who spoke at the December 5, 2000 dinner — his first public remarks just days after Florida’s historic electoral recount; former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese; and Richard DeVos, founder of Amway and owner of the Orlando Magic.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Bush Attended A December 2000 Fundraiser For The James Madison Institute. According to the Ledger, “Two days before Florida’s newest crop of legislators get sworn into office — they will have a chance to dine in style with former U.S. Education Secretary William Bennett as well as a crop of lobbyists who pay anywhere from $ 150 to $ 250 a seat to sit next to them. Speaker-designate Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, struck a deal with the Tallahassee-based James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank founded by a former Florida State University president, to have the organization do an intensive orientation for new members of the Florida House. Orientation sessions are nothing new for the House. But the institute doesn’t accept public money for any of its functions. […] Lobbyists aren’t allowed at the orientation — but they have been given the opportunity to buy seats and tables at Sunday’s fund-raiser as well as two more scheduled in December and January that coincide with other orientation sessions. The December fund-raiser will include Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating. Legislators get in for free to each of the fund-raisers.” [Ledger, 11/19/00]

January 2001: Bush Spoke At James Madison Institute Fundraiser, Was Praised In Emails For Receiving Award From Institute

Bush Received Email From Chair of Social Sciences At Florida Atlantic University Congratulating Him On Receiving Award From The James Madison Institute. According to an email from Dr. Marshall DeRosa, a professor and chair of the social sciences at Florida Atlantic University, to Gov. Jeb Bush on January 30, 2001, “Congratulations on your James Madison Institute Award. I attended the function and very much enjoyed your comments.” [Marshall DeRosa Email to Jeb Bush, 1/30/01]

Bush Spoke At The James Madison Institute In January 2001. According to the Miami Herald, “Bush – the governor, not the president – will be in town Monday. At 10 a.m., he and U.S. Rep. Clay Shaw will dedicate the Sandy Nininger Jr. State Veterans Nursing Home in Pembroke Pines. Lt. Alexander ‘Sandy’ Nininger, a 23-year-old Fort Lauderdale native, was the first recipient of the Medal of Honor in World War II. He died in 1942 while fighting in the Philippines and received the award posthumously. At 6 p.m., Bush will speak at the James Madison Institute reception about his priorities for the upcoming legislative session. The event will be at the Sheraton Yankee Trader Beach Hotel, 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale.” [Miami Herald, 1/27/01]

  • The Event Was A Fundraiser For JMI. According to the Miami Herald, “[Jeb] Bush spoke at the Sheraton Yankee Trader Beach Hotel at a $250-per-plate dinner to raise money for the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank based in Tallahassee.” [Miami Herald, 1/30/01]
January 2006: James Madison Institute Held Private Reception for Institute Members and Guests Hosted By Bush At Florida Governor’s Mansion

In January 2006, JMI Held A “Private Reception For JMI Members And Guests Hosted By Gov. Jeb Bush At The Governor’s Mansion.” According to the Spring 2006 James Madison Institute Newsletter, “Kicking off with a private reception for JMI members and guests hosted by Gov. Jeb Bush at the Governor’s Mansion on the eve of the event, the Institute held an all day education summit on January 24th at the University Center Club on the campus of Florida State University in Tallahassee. Over 200 legislators, education and business leaders, and front-line educators, as well as all the major media markets–print, radio and TV–were on hand for informative and thought-provoking insights from education experts from across the country.” [James Madison Institute Newsletter via archive.org, April 2006]

JMI’s 2013 Annual Report: “Florida Politicos Who Have Made Numerous Appearances At JMI Events Over The Years Include Jeb Bush, Bob Graham, Marco Rubio.” According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Florida politicos who have made numerous appearances at JMI events over the years include Jeb Bush, Bob Graham, Marco Rubio, Tom Feeney, Allan Bense, Frank Brogan, Bill McCollum, Rick Scott, Pam Bondi, Jeff Atwater, Will Weatherford, and Don Gaetz.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

June 2008: Bush Jointly Hosted Summit With Foundation for Excellence In Education, James Madison Institute; Then Speaker Marco Rubio Publicly Praised Conference

Bush Hosted A “National Excellence In Action Summit At Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort With His Foundation For Excellence In Education, And The James Madison Institute” In June 2008. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “Everyone seems to be talking about change these days. This week, that includes a group of education reformers, with former Gov. Jeb Bush leading the way. Bush is launching a national initiative to make education reform a top priority for the country’s next president. He’s hosting a national Excellence in Action summit at Walt Disney World’s Contemporary Resort with his Foundation for Excellence in Education, and The James Madison Institute, a conservative research group.” [Orlando Sentinel, 6/20/08]

  • Then-Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio On The June 2008 National Excellence In Action Summit: “I Appreciate The Innovations That Have Come Out Of This Conference.” According to the Orlando Sentinel, then-Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio stated the following on education reform and the National Excellence In Action Summit, “I think there needs to be a societal change. I appreciate the innovations that have come out of this conference.” [Orlando Sentinel, 6/20/08]

James Madison InsTitute Board Member Al Hoffman

JMI Board Member Al Hoffman “Propelled Jeb Bush To The Florida Governor’s Mansion And Helped Steer His Brother, George, Into The White House.” According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman, finance chairman of the Republican National Committee, isn’t just a kingmaker. He’s a dynasty builder, cemented as one of the Bush clan’s top advisors and closest friends. The chairman of WCI Inc., one of the country’s largest real estate development conglomerates, began his ascent to the presidential dais when he joined former President George Bush’s 1988 campaign as a ‘foot soldier.’ Fourteen years later, Hoffman, 67, is the GOP’s top money-man, having propelled Jeb Bush to the Florida governor’s mansion and helped steer his brother, George, into the White House. […] Community organizations: Chairman, Florida Council of 100, the governor’s advisory panel. Founding president, Ruth Eckerd Hall, a performing arts center in Clearwater. Founder of the Tampa Bay Polo Club. On the board of directors for the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the James Madison Institute, a conservative think-tank.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman Chaired Jeb Bush’s Foundation For Florida’s Future And Was Bush’s “Chief Fund-Raiser” For His 1998 Governor Run. According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman also chaired [Jeb] Bush’s think-tank, the Foundation for Florida’s Future and once again tapped Hoffman to serve as chief fund-raiser in his 1998 gubernatorial campaign.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

President George H.W. Bush: “Al Hoffman Is A Friend Of Mine And A Friend Of Gov. Jeb Bush.” According to Florida Today, “‘Al Hoffman is a friend of mine and a friend of Gov. Jeb Bush,’ former President [George H.W.] Bush said from Houston. ‘The legendary energy he brings to business helps explain his effectiveness in the political arena.’” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman Chaired Jeb Bush’s “Top Group Of Policy Advisors, The Council Of 100, Consisting Of Florida’s Top CEOs.” According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman’s career in business, politics, art and sports reveal a dashing character driven to succeed. The self-made millionaire is chief executive of a company that grosses more than $1 billion a year. He chairs Jeb Bush’s top group of policy advisors, the Council of 100, consisting of Florida’s top CEOs.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Bush Asked Hoffman To Be His Finance Chairman For His First Gubernatorial Campaign In 1994. According to Florida Today, “In 1994, Jeb Bush asked [Al] Hoffman to be the finance chairman for his first, and unsuccessful, bid for governor.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Bush Partnered In Real Estate Deals With Hoffman. According to Florida Today, “[Al] Hoffman’s relationship with Jeb Bush dates back to the governor’s stint as commerce secretary from 1987 to 1988 under former Gov. Bob Martinez. Later, Bush and his partner, Miami developer Armando Codina, partnered in real estate deals with Hoffman.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

In 1995 Hoffman “Bailed” Bush’s Former Real Estate Partner Armando Codina Out Of A “Failed Luxury Golf Community In Coral Gables Devastated By Hurricane Andrew.” According to Florida Today, “In 1995, [Al] Hoffman bailed [Jeb] Bush’s former partner [Armando] Codina out of a failed luxury golf community in Coral Gables devastated by Hurricane Andrew. By then, Codina already had bought Jeb Bush out of the $32 million deal, less than half what Bush and Codina had invested.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

RNC Executive Director Jack Oliver: Hoffman “Was One Of Jeb’s Top Lieutenants In Helping To Deliver Florida” For George W. Bush. According to Florida Today, “In a crusade to oust Jeb Bush as payback for what they believe was the theft of the 2000 presidential election, Democrats are pouring money into former Clinton Attorney General Janet Reno’s campaign. Republicans need to keep Florida, a swing state key to the presidency. To do that, they need [Al] Hoffman, ranked by insiders as one of the most influential fund-raisers in the country. ‘Al was one of Jeb’s top lieutenants in helping to deliver Florida,’ said Jack Oliver, executive director of the Republican National Committee. With Hoffman as the state finance chairman and co-chairman of the younger Bush’s presidential campaign, Florida raked in nearly $6 million, more cash than any other state except the former governor’s home state of Texas.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman On Bush Family: “I Have Never Met A Family That Is So Principled And So Dedicated To What They Do.” According to Florida Today, “‘I’m not looking for something,’ [Al] Hoffman said. ‘All I’m really interested in is good government — and good government that represents my values.’ And the Bushes are his vehicle for doing that. ‘I have never met a family that is so principled and so dedicated to what they do,’ Hoffman said.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Hoffman Vacationed With The Bush Family And Owned An Island In Maine “Near The Bush Kennebunkport Estate.” According to Florida Today, “He vacations with the [Bush] family. He owns an island in Maine on Casco Bay near the Bush Kennebunkport estate.” [Florida Today, 1/13/02]

Jeb Appointees Included James Madison Institute Fellows And Leadership

Bush Appointed James Madison Institute Founder Stan Marshall To Be A Florida State University Trustee, Then Appointed Him to Florida Board of Governors Overseeing Universities In 2005

Jeb Bush Appointed J. Stanley Marshall, Founder Of JMI, To Be A Florida State University Trustee. According to the Miami Herald, “Gov. Jeb Bush looked to the history of Florida State University and the University of Florida when he appointed 24 people Wednesday to serve on the schools’ new boards of trustees. At UF, former President Marshall Criser will serve on the new policymaking board of the university he ran from 1984 to 1989. Cynthia O’Connell, the widow of former President Stephen O’Connell, will also serve on UF’s board. Florida State’s new board of trustees includes former state House of Representatives Speaker John Thrasher and J. Stanley Marshall, a former FSU president and founding chairman of the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank. Former state university Regent Steven Uhlfelder will also serve as an FSU trustee.” [Miami Herald, 6/28/01]

Bush Appointed Marshall To The Florida Board Of Governors Overseeing Universities In 2005. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Bush appoints new board members: Gov. Jeb Bush on Monday appointed Florida State University trustee Stanley Marshall to the Board of Governors. Marshall, 82, former FSU president and founding chairman and vice chairman of the James Madison Institute, succeeds Steve Uhlfelder, who decided not to seek reappointment.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/22/05]

James Madison Institute President & CEO J. Robert McClure III “Was Appointed By Jeb Bush To The Florida Elections Commission And Has Served On The State Of Florida Education Strategic Planning Council.” According to a biography from the James Madison Institute, “Dr. McClure was appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to the Florida Elections Commission and has served on the State of Florida Education Strategic Planning Council.” [James Madison Institute, accessed 2/27/15]

Bush Appointed Senior James Madison Institute Fellow Randall Holcombe As Economic Advisor; Holcombe Had Deep Koch Ties

JMI Senior Fellow Randall Holcombe Served As An Economic Advisor To Gov. Jeb Bush. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “And thanks to JMI’s longtime work on the issue, the Florida intangibles tax (a tax on financial assets such as stocks or bonds) was repealed in the final year of Jeb Bush’s administration. ‘We were way out front on this issue,’ said JMI Senior Fellow and FSU Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe. ‘JMI was the first organization to have an objective analysis of this tax and why it should be repealed.’ In fact, Holcombe, who served as an economic advisor to Governor Bush, made it a point to ask him about how the repeal was progressing every time he saw him. ‘It got to the point where if I saw him, he’d start telling me about the intangibles tax before I could ask,’ said Holcombe.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

Holcombe Forwarded An Email To Bush With A Book Chapter From Koch-Tied Randal O’Toole. According to an email from Randall Holcombe to Gov. Jeb Bush on June 14, 2006, “Dear Governor Bush, I am attaching a book chapter by Randal O’Toole of Oregon’s Thoreau Institute on Smart Growth and Housing. I realize it’s a bit long and I’m not sure how much time you have for reading during hurricane season, but it is very well-researched and does a great job of explaining some of the effects land use planning has had. I think that if you just started reading it, you would find it compelling enough to read all the way through. I’m passing it along on the chance that you might have time to look at it. Best regards, Randy” [Randall Holcombe Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 6/14/06]

  • Bush Response: “Thank You Randy. I Look Forward To Reading This.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Randall Holcombe on June 14, 2006, “Thank you Randy. I look forward to reading this. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Randall Holcombe, 6/14/06]
  • Randal O’Toole Was a Senior Fellow at the Koch-Founded Cato Institute. [Cato Institute, Accessed 3/20/15]
Holcombe Spoke At Universities As Part Of Koch-Funded Lecture Series.

Holcombe Spoke On “The Bush-Obama Stimulus Programs And The Future Of American Capitalism” At Pepperdine University, Sponsored By The Charles G. Koch Foundation. According to Pepperdine University School of Public Policy Dean’s Report, “Dr. Randall Holcombe of Florida State University presented a lecture titled ‘The Bush-Obama Stimulus Programs and the Future of American Capitalism’ in the first of two lectures last fall sponsored by the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation.” [Pepperdine University School of Public Policy Dean’s Report, Winter 2010]

Assistant Professor Of Economics At Beloit College In Wisconsin Joshua Hall Wrote On The Institute For Humane Studies Website That Holcombe Spoke At Beloit, Funded Via Grants From The Koch Foundation. According to a post by Beloit College Assistant Professor of Economics Joshua Hall for the Institute for Humane Studies, “To extend the influence of each year’s Forum throughout the academic year, we have solicited regular grants from the Charles Koch Foundation for support of a speaker series. The grant has allowed us to invite young scholars to campus who were working on ideas building off the work of that year’s Upton Scholar. During the academic year surrounding Israel Kirzner’s visit to Beloit, for example, we were able to bring to campus throughout the year the following scholars: Adam Martin (New York University), Peter Klein (University of Missouri), Stephen Gohmann (University of Louisville), Randall Holcombe (Florida State University), and David Henderson (Naval Postgraduate School).” [Joshua Hall – Institute for Humane Studies, 3/14/12]

Holcombe’s Position At FSU Was Funded In Part By The Charles Koch Foundation

Holcombe Was A “Research Faculty Associate” Of The Study Of Political Economy And Free Enterprise (SPEFE) At FSU. According to a document detailing the Koch Fellowship program at FSU from FSU.edu, “The BB&T and CKF fellowships are part of a larger grant-supported set of programs: the program for the Study of Political Economy and Free Enterprise (SPEFE) and the program for Excellence in Economic Education (EEE)… Fellowship recipients will be assigned as a one-quarter time research assistant for one of the research faculty associates of SPEFE (currently Bruce Benson, James Gwartney, Randall Holcombe, Mark Isaac, Shi Qi, and Carl Kitchens, but other faculty members are free to apply for associate status), or as one-quarter-time teaching assistant to one of the SPEFE associated or one of the EEE associates (currently James Gwartney, Joe Calhoun, Lora Holcombe, Joab Corey, and Katie Sherron, although other faculty members are free to apply for associate status).” [FSU.edu, accessed 3/4/15]

  • SPEFE Was Created As Part Of The Koch Donations To FSU. According to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Charles Koch Foundation and Florida State University published via the Academe Blog, “The FSU College of Social Sciences agrees to create the SPEFE Program and the EEE Program within the Stavros Center to build upon and advance research, publication, dissemination, and public knowledge of the role and importance of economic institutions and the study of political economy. CKF is supportive of these efforts, and the Parties agree that the activities of the SPEFE Program and the EEE Program will include but not be limited to: (a) yearly production and publication of high-quality academic research focusing on economic institutions and political economy, (b) economic education efforts aimed at the broad dissemination of research related to economic institutions and political economy, (c) support of faculty and students advancing research into and the dissemination of economic institutions and political economy, and (d) collaboration and cooperation with other centers and organizations working to advance complementary research and activities related to economic institutions and political economy.” [CKF-FSU MOU via Academe Blog, 1/16/15]
  • The CKF-FSU Memorandum Of Understanding Set “Forth The Intent, Structure, Recruitment, And Funding Procedures To Support The SPEFE And EEE Programs, The Professorship Positions.” According to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Charles Koch Foundation and Florida State University published via the Academe Blog, “This Memorandum sets forth the intent, structure, recruitment, and funding procedures to support the SPEFE and EEE Programs, the Professorship Positions, Teaching Specialist Position and the Undergraduate Program (the SPEFE Program, the EEE Program, the Professorship Positions, Teaching Specialist Position and the Undergraduate Program are collectively referred to herein as, the “Affiliated Programs and Positions”), and to clarify the relationship between CKF, FSU faculty, Donor Partners and relevant departments of FSU as it relates to these Affiliated Programs and Positions,” [CKF-FSU MOU via Academe Blog, 1/16/15]

Holcombe Published An Opinion Defending The Koch Grant To FSU, Saying The Negative Coverage “Distorted The Facts.” According to a post by Randall Holcombe on the Independent Institute’s Beacon blog, “Our run in the spotlight started with an op-ed on May 1 in the local newspaper, The Tallahassee Democrat, in which the writers were criticizing a grant my department received from the Charles G. Koch Charitable Foundation because, the writers argued, we gave up our academic freedom to get the money. The story was picked up by the St. Petersburg Times, and seems to have gone viral after that. I could pick and choose a few links to share, but when I just Googled ‘Florida State University economics Koch’ Google returned 211,000 results. You can see for yourself what people are saying. I don’t object to the investigative reporting that is being done on this issue. As a government-run institution, I am happy to have our activities scrutinized and for the press to inquire into our funding sources, and how we are spending our money. In this case, however, I think the press coverage has distorted the facts.” [Randall Holcombe – Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, 5/12/11]

Holcombe Published A Second Opinion Defending The Koch Grant To FSU, Saying “We Were Right To Accept The Grant.” According to a post by Randall Holcombe on the Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, “In what I wrote last week I was just trying to state the facts as I saw them, as someone with more knowledge about the deal than most people who offered their opinions. I didn’t pass judgment. I tried to present objective facts, and let readers decide. As someone close to the grant in question, I do have an opinion, however, and my opinion is that the Koch grant does not compromise the academic integrity of Florida State University, has not limited our academic freedom, and has provided unambiguously beneficial results to the university—unless you count the negative publicity. So, (1) we were right to accept the grant, and (2) we should defend ourselves by explaining why we were right.” [Randall Holcombe –Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, 5/18/11]

Holcombe: “The Koch Grant Does Not Compromise The Academic Integrity Of Florida State University, Has Not Limited Our Academic Freedom, And Has Provided Unambiguously Beneficial Results To The University.” According to a post by Randall Holcombe on the Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, “As someone close to the grant in question, I do have an opinion, however, and my opinion is that the Koch grant does not compromise the academic integrity of Florida State University, has not limited our academic freedom, and has provided unambiguously beneficial results to the university—unless you count the negative publicity. So, (1) we were right to accept the grant, and (2) we should defend ourselves by explaining why we were right.” [Randall Holcombe –Independent Institute’s Beacon Blog, 5/18/11]

Holcombe Has A History Of Koch-Sponsored Scholarship

Holcombe Published A Book, “Liberalism And Cronyism” Through The Mercatus Center In 2013. According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “Liberalism and Cronyism: Two Rival Political and Economic Systems (with Andrea M. Castillo). Arlington, VA: Mercatus Center, 2013.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

Holcombe Published Two Publications On The Value Added Tax Through The Mercatus Center. According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “‘The Value Added Tax: Too Costly for the United States,’ Research Paper, Mercatus Center, George Mason University, September 21, 2010 […] ‘The Value Added Tax: Impacts on Florida,’ Mercatus on Policy No. 89 (February 2011), Mercatus Center, George Mason University.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

Holcombe Contributed To The Institute For Humane Studies’ 1979 Publication “Government Aid To Private Schools: Is It A Trojan Horse?” With A Chapter Titled “An Incentive Plan For Subsidizing Private Schools.” According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “‘An Incentive Plan for Subsidizing Private Schools’ in Richard E. Wagner, ed., Government Aid to Private Schools: Is it a Trojan Horse? Wichita: Institute for Humane Studies, 1979, pp. 47-56.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

Holcombe Published “Political Capitalism” In The Winter 2015 Issue Of Cato Journal. [Randall Holcombe – Cato Journal, Winter 2015]

  • Holcombe Wrote That “Political Capitalism” Is When Political And Economic Elites Form A Mutually Beneficial Relationship Where Economic Elites Influence The Government For Their Self-Interest. According to an article by Randall Holcombe in the Cato Journal, “Political capitalism is an economic and political system in which the economic and political elite cooperate for their mutual benefit. The economic elite influence the government’s economic policies to use regulation, government spending, and the design of the tax system to maintain their elite status in the economy. The political elite are then supported by the economic elite which helps the political elite maintain their status; an exchange relationship that benefits both the political and economic elite.” [Randall Holcombe – Cato Journal, Winter 2015]
  • Holcombe: “When Money Comes From People Who Challenge The Elite, Like The Koch Brothers, They Are Vilified Because They Are Challenging Ruling Elites.” According to an article by Randall Holcombe in the Cato Journal, “The political elite strongly encourage the political participation of the masses, as long as the masses can have no impact on political outcomes. Political participation by the masses has a strong symbolic impact, because it implies the support of the masses for the political elite, as Edelman (1964) notes. However, when people outside the political elite actually can make a difference, their participation is vilified. Note, for example, the complaints about money in politics—especially money that comes from large donors. Politicians are happy to receive donations that support their positions and help maintain their positions in the elite, but when money comes from people who challenge the elite, like the Koch brothers, they are vilified because they are challenging the ruling elites. Participation is encouraged by the political elite, unless that participation can displace members of the elite from their positions of power.” [Randall Holcombe – Cato Journal, Winter 2015]

Holcombe Served On The Advisory Board Of The Beacon Hill Institute, An ALEC and SPN Affiliate, From 1996 To 2005. According to Randall Holcombe’s CV via his website, “Advisory Board Member, The Beacon Hill Institute, Suffolk University, Boston, Massachusetts, 1996 to 2005.” [RandallHolcombe.com, accessed 3/4/15]

  • Guardian: The Beacon Hill Institute Is An “Ultra-Conservative” Think Tank, “Associated With A Network Of Ultra-Conservative Groups” Funded By The Koch Brothers. According to the Guardian, “Meanwhile, the Employment Policies Institute, a tax-exempt organisation headed by Berman and operating out of his office according to tax filings, funded a series of reports by an ultra-conservative thinktank, the Beacon Hill Institute […]Beacon Hill is associated with a network of ultra-conservative groups working with the American Legislative Exchange Council and funded by patrons of anti-government causes such as the Koch brothers and Searle Freedom Trust.” [Guardian, 2/23/15]
Holcombe Took Credit For Successfully Lobbying Jeb Bush to Repeal Intangibles Tax Despite Earlier Claims That Previous Work for Organization Did Nothing “As An Attempt To Aid Or Hinder The Passage Of Any Legislation.”

JMI Took Credit For A Repeal Of Florida’s Intangibles Tax On “Financial Assets Such As Stocks Or Bonds” Which Took Place During Bush’s Final Year In Office, In Part Due To Holcombe’s Lobbying. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “And thanks to JMI’s longtime work on the issue, the Florida intangibles tax (a tax on financial assets such as stocks or bonds) was repealed in the final year of Jeb Bush’s administration. ‘We were way out front on this issue,’ said JMI Senior Fellow and FSU Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe. ‘JMI was the first organization to have an objective analysis of this tax and why it should be repealed.’ In fact, Holcombe, who served as an economic advisor to Governor Bush, made it a point to ask him about how the repeal was progressing every time he saw him. ‘It got to the point where if I saw him, he’d start telling me about the intangibles tax before I could ask,’ said Holcombe.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

  • Holcombe’s Work Carried A Disclaimer That Said “Nothing In The Madison Op-Ed Series Should Be Construed… As An Attempt To Aid Or Hinder The Passage Of Any Legislation.” According to an opinion by Edward Ericson Jr. in the Orlando Weekly, “As a presumably disinterested professor (whose FSU faculty position is funded by a Tallahassee developer), Holcombe’s opinion — as ensconced in research papers, testimony and, this month, an op-ed piece sent to Florida newspapers — is designed to sway votes. His work under the auspices of the Madison Institute, however, carries this disclaimer: ‘Nothing in The Madison Op-Ed Series should be construed as necessarily reflecting the views of The James Madison Institute or as an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation.’”[Edward Ericson Jr. – Orlando Weekly, 4/27/98]

Bush Appointed Campaign Fundraiser Marty Fiorentino To The Jacksonville Port Authority; Fiorentino Also Served On The Board Of The James Madison Institute.

Bush Appointed Campaign Fundraiser Marty Fiorentino To The Jacksonville Port Authority; Fiorentino Also Served On The Board Of The James Madison Institute. According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Marty Fiorentino. A CSX executive when he became a Bush Pioneer, Fiorentino has since opened a lobbying firm with clients including CSX, the cruise ship industry and Jacksonville. He was chief of staff of the Federal Railroad Administration and counselor to the deputy secretary of transportation under the first President Bush. He was a major fundraiser for Gov. Bush’s two campaigns, and Bush appointed Fiorentino in 2001 to the Jacksonville Port Authority. Fiorentino also is on the board of the James Madison Institute, a Libertarian-leaning think tank in Tallahassee whose board includes several Pioneers.” [St. Petersburg Times, 6/22/03]

Bush Appointed James Madison Institute Research Advisory Council Member As First Director for Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development

J. Antonio Villamil, Founder And Principal Of The Washington Economics Group, Inc., Served On The Research Advisory Council Of The James Madison Institute. According to the James Madison Institute, J. Antonio Villamil, Founder and Principal of the Washington Economics Group, Inc., was a member of JMI’s Research Advisory Council. [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

  • Villamil “Was Selected By Governor Bush As His First Director For Tourism, Trade, And Economic Development.” According to the James Madison Institute, “Dr. [J. Antonio] Villamil is the immediate past Chairman of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisors of Florida, and during 1999-2000, he was selected by Governor Bush as his first Director for Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. Presently, he is on the Board of Directors of the Spanish Broadcasting System (SBS), Mercantil Commercebank, NA, and Pan-American Life Insurance Group (PALIG). He was most recently appointed by the US Secretary of Commerce to serve in the Florida District Export Council.” [James Madison Institute, accessed 3/2/15]

James Madison Institute Strongly Backed Bush’s Policy Initiatives

James Madison Institute Took Credit for Bush’s Repeal of Florida’s Intangibles Tax On Financial Assets Like Stocks and Bonds During Bush’s Final Year In Office

JMI Took Credit For A Repeal Of Florida’s Tax On “Financial Assets Such As Stocks Or Bonds” Which Took Place During Bush’s Final Year In Office. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “And thanks to JMI’s longtime work on the issue, the Florida intangibles tax (a tax on financial assets such as stocks or bonds) was repealed in the final year of Jeb Bush’s administration. ‘We were way out front on this issue,’ said JMI Senior Fellow and FSU Professor of Economics Randall Holcombe. ‘JMI was the first organization to have an objective analysis of this tax and why it should be repealed.’ In fact, Holcombe, who served as an economic advisor to Governor Bush, made it a point to ask him about how the repeal was progressing every time he saw him. ‘It got to the point where if I saw him, he’d start telling me about the intangibles tax before I could ask,’ said Holcombe.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

  • Brevard County Democratic Party Chair Amy Tidd: Florida Was “Short On Tax Revenue” Because “In 2006, The Republican-Controlled Legislature Voted To Repeal The Intangibles Tax… They Quoted People Like Randall Holcombe From The James Madison Institute.” According to an opinion by Brevard County Democratic Party Executive Committee Chair Amy Tidd in Florida Today, “Why are we short on tax revenue? One of the reasons is that in 2006, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal the intangibles tax, a tax on the wealthiest citizens that brought in $600 million a year. They quoted people like Randall Holcombe from the James Madison Institute who said, ‘The intangible tax raises a relatively small amount of revenue.’ And, ‘If the tax was completely eliminated, state governmental expenditures would still increase because the revenues lost would be more than replaced by the normal growth in the state’s other revenue sources.’” [Amy Tidd – Florida Today, 3/20/08]
  • Tidd: Holcombe’s Claims That “The Intangible Tax Raises A Small Amount Of Revenue” And If It Were Eliminated “State Governmental Expenditures Would Still Increase” Were “Proven To Be False.” According to an opinion by Brevard County Democratic Party Executive Committee Chair Amy Tidd in Florida Today, “One of the reasons is that in 2006, the Republican-controlled Legislature voted to repeal the intangibles tax, a tax on the wealthiest citizens that brought in $600 million a year. They quoted people like Randall Holcombe from the James Madison Institute who said, ‘The intangible tax raises a relatively small amount of revenue.’ And, ‘If the tax was completely eliminated, state governmental expenditures would still increase because the revenues lost would be more than replaced by the normal growth in the state’s other revenue sources.’ Today these ideas have proven to be false.” [Amy Tidd – Florida Today, 3/20/08]

James Madison Institute and Koch-Backed Reason Fellow Backed Bush’s Efforts to Privatize Government

2005: JMI And Reason Fellow Geoffrey Segal Praised Gov. Jeb Bush’s “Strong Support Of Making Government Compete With The Private Sector.” According to an opinion by director of Government Reform Policy at Reason and JMI Fellow Geoffrey Segal for the James Madison institute, “Governor Bush has taken a lot of flak for his strong support of making government compete with the private sector. During his tenure, more than 120 projects ranging from prison food service to maintenance in state parks have been initiated, saving the state millions of dollars while simultaneously improving services.” [Geoffrey Segal – JMI, 5/6/05]

Bush’s Former Deputy Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Foundation for Florida’s Future Patricia Levesque Published Paper Praising Bush’s Education Legacy Through Madison Institute

In Spring 2007, JMI Published “Better Schools: The Education Legacy Of Governor Jeb Bush” By Patricia Levesque. [Journal of the James Madison Institute, Spring 2007]

  • Levesque Was “The Former Deputy Chief Of Staff For Gov. Jeb Bush And The… Executive Director Of The Foundation For Florida’s Future.” According to the Journal of the James Madison Institute, “Patricia Levesque is the former Deputy Chief of Staff for Gov. Jeb Bush and the current Executive Director of the Foundation for Florida’s Future.” Journal of the James Madison Institute, Spring 2007]

Levesque: “Because Of The Passion And Commitment Of Governor Bush… Florida Embarked On A Comprehensive Overhaul Of Its Public Education System, A Reform Initiative Appropriately Named The A+ Plan For Education.” According to the Journal of the James Madison Institute, “Because of the passion and commitment of Governor Bush and the leadership of Senate President Toni Jennings and House Speaker John Thrasher, Florida embarked

on a comprehensive overhaul of its public education system, a reform initiative appropriately named the A+ Plan for Education.” [Journal of the James Madison Institute, Spring 2007]

James Madison Institute Fellow Backed Bush’s Plan to Privatize Medicaid

Gainesville Sun Editorial: “Gov. Jeb Bush Wants To Privatize Medicaid. According to the Gainesville Sun: “ Gov. Jeb Bush wants to privatize Medicaid; essentially giving Medicaid patients vouchers and turning them over to privately operated managed care companies. With his unwavering faith in the market, Bush trusts that those companies will be able to deliver the care Medicaid patients need while saving tax dollars. “We want to empower the people in the Medicaid program to control their own health care, to choose their own coverage, their doctors and their treatments,” Bush said this week. The alternative to privatizing Medicaid, he warns, may be drastic cutbacks in benefits and membership. [The Gainesville Sun, 1/13/05]

Gainesville Sun Editorial: “The Jeb Bush Era Has Been Fraught With Instance After Instance In Which The Privatization Of Public Functions Has Resulted In Higher Costs And Less Effective Services.” According to The Gainesville Sun: “While agreeing that Medicaid in its current form is fiscally unsustainable, it is too soon to make the leap of faith that the key to saving it lies in privatization. In fact, the Jeb Bush era has been fraught with instance after instance in which the privatization of public functions has resulted in higher costs and less effective services.”

JMI’s 2013 Annual Report: “Thanks In Large Part To A 2005 JMI Study And The Leadership Of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida Was The First State In The Country To Institute Market-Based Medicaid Entitlement Reform.” According to the JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “Currently, one out of every three dollars in Florida’s state budget goes to Medicaid, a cooperative federal-state program where the federal government matches funds to states that choose to provide medical care to needy persons. The growth of spending on Medicaid makes less room for other priorities in the state’s budget. Thanks in large part to a 2005 JMI study and the leadership of Governor Jeb Bush, Florida was the first state in the country to institute market-based Medicaid entitlement reform to do just that. In 2011, thanks to Governor Rick Scott and Senator Joe Negron, these reforms were expanded statewide. Through this program, Medicaid patients are given vouchers to take to the doctor of their choice, thereby increasing competition, lowering costs, providing patients with access to better care, and helping them to be less reliant on government, by finding access to affordable private insurance plans.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]

2009: Three Years After Law Took Effect, Bush’s Medicaid Privatization Plan Gave “Little Evidence To Show That The Pilot, Operating In Five Counties, Has Improved Health Care Or Saved The State Money.”

Gainesville Sun: “There’s Also Been Little Evidence To Show” That The Medicaid Privatization Pilot Program, “Operating In Five Counties, Has Improved Health Care Or Saved The State Money.” According to The Gainesville Sun, “Nearly three years into a Medicaid privatization program former Gov. Jeb Bush said could be a national model, state officials say they do not have crucial data to measure the program’s effectiveness, including how many patients’ treatments and prescriptions have been approved or denied. […] An Associated Press study found nearly 25 percent of doctors in Broward and Duval counties, the two biggest counties in the pilot program, have dropped out because of red tape and an inability to treat patients as they see fit. […]The complaints have led to an outcry for accountability from the state’s health care agency, especially after WellCare, the program’s largest private health care provider, has admitted to stealing more than $35 million from the state under another program. There’s also been little evidence to show that the pilot, operating in five counties, has improved health care or saved the state money.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

Gainesville Sun: Three Years After Start of Bush’s Medicaid Privatization He Had Touted as National Model, State Officials Say They Do Not Have Crucial Data To Measure The Program’s Effectiveness. According to The Gainesville Sun, “Nearly three years into a Medicaid privatization program former Gov. Jeb Bush said could be a national model, state officials say they do not have crucial data to measure the program’s effectiveness, including how many patients’ treatments and prescriptions have been approved or denied.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

Gainesville Sun: “Patients And Health Care Advocates Have Complained They Can’t Get Doctors Appointments And Medications Under The Program.” According to The Gainesville Sun, Patients and health care advocates have complained they can’t get doctors appointments and medications under the program, which began in October 2006.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

An AP Study Found “Nearly 25 Percent Of Doctors In Broward And Duval Counties, The Two Biggest Counties In The Pilot Program, Have Dropped Out Because Of Red Tape And An Inability To Treat Patients As They See Fit.” According to The Gainesville Sun: “An Associated Press study found nearly 25 percent of doctors in Broward and Duval counties, the two biggest counties in the pilot program, have dropped out because of red tape and an inability to treat patients as they see fit.” [Gainesville Sun, 6/1/09]

Bush Received Emails from James Madison Institute President and Board Members On Plan to Privatize Medicaid

JMI President Bob McClure Email To Jeb Bush: “JMI Continues To Pound The Drum For Medicaid Reform. Perhaps You’ve Had A Chance To Glance At Our Study… It Is Extremely Supportive Of Your Call For Specific Reform.” According to an email from JMI President Bob McClure to Gov. Jeb Bush on April 4, 2005, “JMI continues to pound the drum for Medicaid reform. Perhaps you’ve had a chance to glance at our study released several weeks ago on the issue. We met with Alan Philp, William Large, Carol Gormely, Secretary Levine and close to 20 legislators regarding our work. It is extremely supportive of your call for specific reform. In fact, several newspapers around the state have cited JMI in the same breathe with your proposal as you seek to do the right thing. We also have several op-eds in support that should appear soon in the states’ newspapers.” [Bob McClure Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 4/4/05]

  • Bush Response: “Thank You Bob.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to JMI President Bob McClure on April 4, 2005, “thank you Bob. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Bob McClure, 4/4/05]

JMI Board Member Jon Rawlson To Bush On Medicaid: “I Think You Know That I Am On The JMI Board – If JMI Could Help In Any Way – We Would Be Pleased To Do So.” According to an email from Jon Rawlson to Gov. Jeb Bush on March 13, 2003, “Jeb – as you move forward in the dialogue with the Task Force, I would appreciate the opportunity to offer suggestions and ideas on other reforms within Medicaid. If you have any thoughts on how we could help in this process, please be sure to let me know. Also, I think you know that I am on the JMI Board – if JMI could help in any way – we would be pleased to do so.” [Jon Rawlson Email to Gov. Jeb Bush 3/13/03]

James Madison Institute Fellow Backed Bush’s Efforts to Change Florida’s Medicaid Program

JMI Fellow Michael Bond In 2005: Gov. Jeb Bush “Put Forth A Bold And Innovative Program To Reform Florida’s Participation In Medicaid,” The Plan Moves The Program “Toward The Creation Of A Free Market…For Medicaid Beneficiaries.” According to an opinion by JMI Fellow Michael Bond for the James Madison Institute, “Gov. Jeb Bush has put forth a bold and innovative program to reform Florida’s participation in Medicaid, the federal-state health plan that provides health care to the poor, the disabled, and the elderly in need of nursing home care. The current plan faces an enormous unfunded liability that threatens Florida’s long-term fiscal health. In addition, there are serious questions about the quality of many Medicaid services. Governor Bush’s plan begins to move the program toward the creation of a free market in health care for Medicaid beneficiaries.” [Michael Bond – James Madison Institute, 4/19/05]

Bond Said Medicaid’s Price-Setting Procedures Were Similar To The Soviet Union’s Economic Policy And “Resembles Nothing More” Than Economics “Championed By The World’s Worst Economist, Karl Marx.” According to an opinion by JMI Fellow Michael Bond for the James Madison Institute, “The payments for doctors and hospitals are generally done on a ‘prospective’ basis. That is, Medicaid pays a ‘price’ to each provider for services rendered. The idea of this system is to encourage providers to deliver health care efficiently since they receive a fixed payment and pocket the difference over their costs. The problem is that neither Medicaid (nor Medicare) has any idea what the ‘right’ price is for these services. So it’s inevitable that the system will fumble in its attempts to determine the prices for 10,000 items in 3,000 counties. This is not quite as silly as the old Soviet Union, which set 24 million prices from a central command in Moscow, but it’s in the same ballpark. Indeed, the system used to determine doctor’s fees resembles nothing more than the discredited ‘Labor Value Theory’ championed by the world’s worst economist, Karl Marx. Hmmm. We put up with government health plans that pay doctors using the principles of communism, and then we wonder why we have problems.” [Michael Bond – James Madison Institute, 4/19/05]

Bond: “We Put Up With Government Health Plans That Pay Doctors Using The Principles Of Communism, And Then We Wonder Why We Have Problems.” According to an opinion by JMI Fellow Michael Bond for the James Madison Institute, “The payments for doctors and hospitals are generally done on a ‘prospective’ basis. That is, Medicaid pays a ‘price’ to each provider for services rendered. The idea of this system is to encourage providers to deliver health care efficiently since they receive a fixed payment and pocket the difference over their costs. The problem is that neither Medicaid (nor Medicare) has any idea what the ‘right’ price is for these services. So it’s inevitable that the system will fumble in its attempts to determine the prices for 10,000 items in 3,000 counties. This is not quite as silly as the old Soviet Union, which set 24 million prices from a central command in Moscow, but it’s in the same ballpark. Indeed, the system used to determine doctor’s fees resembles nothing more than the discredited ‘Labor Value Theory’ championed by the world’s worst economist, Karl Marx. Hmmm. We put up with government health plans that pay doctors using the principles of communism, and then we wonder why we have problems.” [Michael Bond – James Madison Institute, 4/19/05]

JMI Consultants Convinced Bush To Kill High Speed Rail Plans In Florida

JMI Hired A Consultant To Study The Proposed High-Speed Rail Plan In Florida; The Study “Predicted Financial Disaster.” According to the Associated Press, “He [John Hedrick] also cited studies by the Wendell Cox Consultancy of Washington, D.C., on behalf of the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank in Tallahassee, and by Wilbur Smith Associates for the Florida Transportation Commission, a panel that oversees DOT. Both studies question a FOX estimate of 8 million passengers annually by the fifth year. The Cox study predicted financial disaster while Smith Associates concluded the estimate was based on sound forecasting techniques but that there were too many unknowns to be sure of its accuracy.” [AP, 11/14/98]

AP: “Bush Was Impressed” By A JMI Study “That Opposed A Plan For A So-Called ‘Bullet Train’ From Tampa To Orlando And Miami. As Governor, One Of Bush’s First Acts Was To Kill The Project.” According to the Associated Press, “But Bush was impressed by a James Madison Institute study last year that opposed a plan for a so-called ‘bullet train’ from Tampa to Orlando and Miami. As governor, one of Bush’s first acts was to kill the project.” [AP, 2/13/99]

An Institute For Justice Attorney Argued On Behalf Of Florida Defending Gov. Jeb Bush’s Voucher Program, And Wrote An Op-Ed Defending It For JMI. According to the Pensacola News Journal, “Today’s opposing viewpoints are written by: […] Clark Neily, a senior attorney at the Institute for Justice, supporting the program before the Florida Supreme Court. Neily is writing for The James Madison Institute, a Tallahassee-based policy center.” [Pensacola News Journal, 6/2/05]

JMI Said That “Bush’s Aggressive Privatization And Outsourcing Plans” Saved The State Money And Praised Bush For Vetoing A Bill Granting Legislative Oversight Of Outsourced Contracts. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Even though Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed a bill requiring increased oversight of state contracts, legislative leaders say it doesn’t mean no one will be watching the store. […]Advocacy groups such as the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank, say Bush’s aggressive privatization and outsourcing plans are saving the state money. President Bob McClure praised the governor for vetoing the bill.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 7/3/05]

JMI President Stan Marshall To Bush: “You Have My Congratulations And Thanks…Your Call For Repeal” Of The High Speed Rail Amendment “Expresses Once Again The Courageous Leadership You Are Providing For Florida.” According to an email from JMI President Stanley Marshall to Gov. Jeb Bush on December 9, 2003, “Governor: You have my congratulations and thanks for your forceful statement on the high speed rail project, along with the gratitude and admiration of the whole JMI family. We are greatly impressed by the careful and very extensive documentation you provided and by your casting the issue in strong moral terms. Going forward with the project would be a catastrophe for Floridians and your call for repeal of the amendment expresses once again the courageous leadership you are providing for Florida. Sincerely, Stan Marshall” [Stanley Marshall Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 12/9/03]

  • Bush Response: “Thanks Stan! We Need To Get Signatures Asap.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Stanley Marshall on December 9, 2003, “Thanks Stan! We need to get signatures asap. Jeb” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Stanley Marshall, 12/9/03]

In An Email For The “No Casinos In Florida” Campaign, Bush Cited “Respected Florida Think Tanks” Like JMI And Said “We Should All Take Note” Of JMI’s Opposition To Gambling Expansion. According to an email sent from No Casinos In Florida signed by Jeb Bush on October 26, 2004, “Nearly every major newspaper editorial board in Florida, and a broad-based coalition of law enforcement, education, senior and faith based groups are advocating the defeat of Amendment 4, and I am happy to lend my voice in support of that effort. When groups like the Florida Sheriff’s Association and the Florida Police Chief’s Association join forces in opposition to Amendment 4, saying it will increase crime in our communities, we should all pay close attention. When respected Florida think tanks like the James Madison Institute note that ‘the costs associated with the approval of this amendment…outweigh the benefits and the people of Florida would do well to see it defeated,’ we should all take note. And, when education advocates like the Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA) state, ‘Claims of the monetary benefits to education to be derived from proceeds of casino gambling are not factually substantiated,’ we should all better understand the implications of this harmful amendment.[…] Florida is not interested in expanding gambling. Please join me in voting no on Amendment 4 on Election Day. Sincerely, Jeb Bush” [No Casinos In Florida Email, 10/26/04]

Bush’s Communications Director Alia Faraj Thanked JMI Policy Director Robert Sanchez For Submitting A Letter To The Editor On School Vouchers And Copied Bush On The Email. According to an email from Alia Faraj, Gov. Jeb Bush’s communications director, to Robert Sanchez, the policy director for the James Madison Institute, on May 11, 2006, “Bob — thank you very much for submitting this letter to the editor!!!” The email’s subject was: “Letter to the Editor: Bob Sanches JMI The aim of school vouchers is to improve public education.” Faraj copied Gov. Jeb Bush on the email. [Alia Faraj Email to Robert Sanchez, 5/11/06]

  • Faraj Included Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor In Her Email To Him. According to an email from Alia Faraj, Gov. Jeb Bush’s communications director, to Robert Sanchez, the policy director for the James Madison Institute, on May 11, 2006, Faraj included Sanchez’s letter to the editor in the body of her email. [Alia Faraj Email to Robert Sanchez, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor Criticized A St. Petersburg Times Editorial On School Vouchers, Accused The Paper Of “Ascribing Dubious Motives” To Voucher Advocates. According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “The St. Petersburg Times obviously has philosophical differences with those who advocate school vouchers. Fair enough. What’s unfair, though, is ascribing dubious motives to those who disagree. Yet that’s the prevailing tone of much of the paper’s commentary on the topic. Consider, for instance, Tuesday’s editorial, A dubious virtual voucher. It accuses voucher advocates of viewing ‘privatization as an end unto itself.’” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “Gov. Jeb Bush And Other Voucher Supporters Have Consistently Touted Parental Choice, Together With Accountability Measures,” Which Have Begun “To Work.” According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “Gov. Jeb Bush and other voucher supporters have consistently touted parental choice, together with accountability measures such as the FCAT, as a way to improve public education. Moreover, it’s beginning to work, as the latest FCAT scores suggest – and as research by Harvard professor Paul Peterson and others has confirmed.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “The Schools Attended By Voucher Recipients Have The Highest And Best Form Of Accountability: Parental Involvement, A Byproduct Of Parental Choice.” According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “Voucher critics’ constant complaints about private schools’ ‘lack of accountability’ also ring hollow. The schools attended by voucher recipients have the highest and best form of accountability: parental involvement, a byproduct of parental choice.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “How Sad That The Florida Senate’s Schism Denied Floridians A Chance To Vote On A Voucher Amendment To The State Constitution.” According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “How sad that the Florida Senate’s schism denied Floridians a chance to vote on a voucher amendment to the state Constitution. It’s true, as the Times repeatedly has noted, that ‘the people have spoken’ on the class size amendment, but they’ve never had a chance to speak on vouchers except in response to loaded questions in public opinion polls.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

Sanchez’s Letter To The Editor: “The Closest Florida Voters Came To A Real Referendum On Vouchers Was The 2002 Race For Governor Between Provoucher Jeb Bush And Antivoucher Bill McBride” And Bush Won. According to the letter to the editor written by JMI’s Robert Sanchez in the Tampa Bay Times, “Indeed, the closest Florida voters came to a real referendum on vouchers was the 2002 race for governor between provoucher Jeb Bush and antivoucher Bill McBride, the teacher unions’ candidate. Final score: Bush 56 percent, McBride 43 percent.” [Robert Sanchez Letter to the Editor – Tampa Bay Times, 5/11/06]

James Madison Institute Backed Multiple Bush-Driven Education Initiatives, Funded Group That Would Serve as “Competition” to Florida Chapter of National Education Association

James Madison Institute Funded “Professional Educators Network Of Florida” As “Competition” To Florida’s Chapter Of The NEA; Group Pushed Several Anti-Union Provisions Targeted At Florida Public School Teachers

JMI Funded The “Professional Educators Network Of Florida” As “Competition” To Florida’s Chapter Of The NEA. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “After two months of battling the state’s teachers unions over public school reforms, the Republican-led Legislature has opened the door to a group the unions fear could dilute their political and bargaining strength. Union leaders say it’s retribution for their battle against GOP Gov. Jeb Bush’s ‘A+’ education-reform package, especially the state’s first-ever voucher program, and for supporting Bush’s Democratic opponent in the 1998 governor’s race. ‘They’re attempting to punish us for supporting education and not selling out to the voucher plan,’ said David Clark of the Florida Teaching Profession-National Education Association, one of the state’s two teachers unions. ‘The intent seems to be an effort to dilute our effectiveness.’ The new competition on the block – the Professional Educators Network of Florida, or PEN, – says it’s simply a matter of fairness. ‘The bottom line is choice,’ said Cathy Demoisey, PEN’s administrative director in Jacksonville. PEN was founded in November 1995 with a $40,000 grant from the conservative James Madison Institute in Tallahassee, which merged late last year with the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a Miami-based group started by Bush that founded the state’s first charter school.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/18/99]

Teachers Union Leaders Said The Creation Of PEN Was Retribution For Opposing Gov. Jeb Bush’s Voucher Program. According to the Orlando Sentinel, “After two months of battling the state’s teachers unions over public school reforms, the Republican-led Legislature has opened the door to a group the unions fear could dilute their political and bargaining strength. Union leaders say it’s retribution for their battle against GOP Gov. Jeb Bush’s ‘A+’ education-reform package, especially the state’s first-ever voucher program, and for supporting Bush’s Democratic opponent in the 1998 governor’s race. ‘They’re attempting to punish us for supporting education and not selling out to the voucher plan,’ said David Clark of the Florida Teaching Profession-National Education Association, one of the state’s two teachers unions. ‘The intent seems to be an effort to dilute our effectiveness.’ The new competition on the block – the Professional Educators Network of Florida, or PEN, – says it’s simply a matter of fairness. ‘The bottom line is choice,’ said Cathy Demoisey, PEN’s administrative director in Jacksonville. PEN was founded in November 1995 with a $40,000 grant from the conservative James Madison Institute in Tallahassee, which merged late last year with the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a Miami-based group started by Bush that founded the state’s first charter school.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/18/99]

Bush’s Education Package “Allowed Groups Such As PEN To Attend Teachers’ Meetings, Solicit Membership Through Teachers’ Mailboxes And Deduct Dues From Paychecks, A Privilege Previously Reserved For Unions.” According to the Orlando Sentinel, “When the Legislature passed Bush’s 167-page educational package, one provision allowed groups such as PEN to attend teachers’ meetings, solicit membership through teachers’ mailboxes and deduct dues from paychecks, a privilege previously reserved for unions. Both teachers unions tried to eliminate the provision, with some officials calling it punishment for not supporting Bush or his voucher plan. It didn’t work.” [Orlando Sentinel, 5/23/98]

James Madison Institute Was An “Anti-Union Think Tank That Included In Its Newsletter A ‘Florida Teacher Union Watch,’ Publicizing Cases Of Misconduct By Union Teachers.” According to The Tampa Tribune, “While he was in office, Bush’s foundation merged with the James Madison Institute, a conservative, anti-union think tank that included in its newsletter a ‘Florida Teacher Union Watch,’ publicizing cases of misconduct by union teachers.” [Tampa Tribune, 4/13/10]

After Purchasing $1.2 Million In Liability Insurance For Public School Teachers, The Florida Legislature Put “The Program Under The Control Of An Anti-Union Firm Affiliated With The James Madison Institute,” PEN. According to the Miami Herald, “The Legislature set aside $1.2 million to buy liability insurance for public school teachers, but the fine print puts the program under the control of an anti-union firm affiliated with the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank. […]Sen. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston, asked Webster why the Legislature would ‘designate state funds to specific private companies.’ Then a Republican, Sen. Burt Saunders of Naples, asked for time to draft an amendment requiring competitive bids for teachers’ insurance. Webster said he did not know the provision was in the budget until Sen. Daryl Jones, D-Miami, pointed it out. Facing hostile questions, Webster tabled the bill (SB 878). On Page 34 of the 420-page budget is a provision that says: ‘The Professional Educators Network shall purchase the coverage, and administer the program, and provide communications and notification to all instructional personnel of the benefits of the program.’ PEN was founded in 1995 with a grant from the James Madison Institute, which merged two years ago with the Foundation for Florida’s Future, a policy group headed by Jeb Bush before he became governor.” [Miami Herald, 5/4/01]

The FEA Said The PEN Provision “Was Added Behind Closed Doors, Outside Public Scrutiny, And Without Knowledge Of Most Members, If Not All, Of The Education Conference Committee.” According to the Miami Herald, “The Florida Education Association, the union for teachers, began mobilizing opposition to the bill Thursday. FEA sent fliers to lawmakers saying the PEN provision ‘was added behind closed doors, outside public scrutiny and without knowledge of most members, if not all, of the Education Conference Committee.’” [Miami Herald, 5/4/01]

FEA’s Jeff Wright Said The PEN Provision Was “A Union Buster, Plain And Simple.” According to the Miami Herald, “‘It’s a union buster, plain and simple,’ said Jeff Wright of the FEA. ‘They’re doing everything they can to try and shut us down.’” [Miami Herald, 5/4/01]

JMI Published A Study That Claimed “That Collective Bargaining Is A Threat To State Sovereignty” Because “Serving The Public Can’t Be Reconciled With Career Interests.” According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Now, a new study by the James Madison Institute posits the novel idea that collective bargaining is a threat to state sovereignty. Robert ‘Jake’ Bebber, a doctoral candidate in public policy at the University of Central Florida and adjunct scholar at JMI, reasons that serving the public can’t be reconciled with career interests.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 8/22/05]

Bush Emailed With Academic Before 2002 Election Who Touted Plan To Use Tax Credit for Teaching Supplies To “Take Some Wind Out Of The Democratic Sails,” Bush Told Him to Speak to Stan Marshall At the James Madison Institute

Jeb Bush Received An Email From Dr. Paul Cothran About A Plan Concerning Florida Teachers That He Asserted Would “Take Some Wind Out Of The Democratic Sails” Before The 2002 Election. According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “This is a copy of an email I sent to Mike Harridopolis concerning an idea I had about doing something for Florida teachers before the election, to take some wind out of the Democratic sails. I have sent you two such emails and one to your education director but have received no response.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]

Bush Emailed Cothran: “I Like This Idea As Well. You Might Want To Speak To Stan Marshall About This Concept. He Is The Chair Of The James Madison Institute In Tallahassee.” According to an email from Jeb Bush to Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD on October 20, 2002, “i like this idea as well. You might want to speak to Stan Marshall about this concept. He is the Chair of the James Madison Institute in Tallahassee.” [Jeb Bush Email to Paul E. Cothran, 10/20/02]

  • Cothran’s Plan Would Have Given All Florida Teachers A “10% Discount On All Goods And Services they Purchased” At Participating Businesses And” That Savings Would Not Be Taxed As Income.” According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “DEFT would be a State-wide organization to which every teacher at all levels would automatically be a member. There would have to be funding to cover picture ID cards and I suggest a decal for each participating business to display indicating that they are supporting Florida Teachers. The funding could be from State funds or could be raised by volunteer contributions from the public who want to support such a program of ‘Teacher Appreciation’. I think busineses would be glad to join the program just for the favorable publicity they would receive. Imagine the benefit for teachers if they were able to get a 10% discount on all goods and services they purchased and that savings would not be taxed as income.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]
  • Cothran Email To Bush: “The Recognition Given To The Teachers Plus The Monetary Savings Would Go A Long Way In Getting The Teachers Away From Unions.” According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “The recognition given to the teachers plus the monetary savings would go a long way in getting the teachers away from Unions which take their dues and offer them very little in return.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]
  • Cothran Email To Bush: “Such A Program Would Also Show That The Republican Party Is Actually Interested In The Plight Of Teachers And Not Just Attempting To Win Votes.” According to an email from Dr. Paul E. Cothran PhD to Gov. Jeb Bush on October 16, 2002, “Such a program would also show that the Republican Party is actually interested in the plight of teachers and not just attempting to win votes.” [Paul E. Cothran Email to Jeb Bush, 10/16/02]

Registered Lobbyist Emailed With Bush to Follow Up On Discussion of Privatization of Payroll Deduction At James Madison Institute Dinner; Program Was Plagued With “Chronic Complaints” But Bush Extended Contract for Company; James Madison Institute And Koch-Backed Scholars Strongly Defended Bush’s Efforts

Bush Emailed Staff In Response to Email From Lobbyist On Privatization of Payroll Deduction Process, Who Referenced Discussion At James Madison Institute Dinner “On Behalf of My Client.”

Lobbyist Lori Hundley Emailed Jeb Bush On Behalf Of Her Client, Consolidated Billing, “Re: Our Discussion At The James Madison Institute Dinner… In Regards To Privatization Of The Payroll Deduction Process.” According to an email from Lori Hundley to Gov. Jeb Bush on December 6, 2000, “Subject: Re: Our Discussion at the James Madison Institute Dinner Dear Governor Bush, It was a pleasure meeting you last night, and I appreciate the opportunity to talk with you as you entered the dining room. Our discussion in regards to privatization of the payroll deduction process was on behalf of my client, Cosolidated Billing, which offers payroll deduction management services.” [Lori Hundley Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 12/6/00]

  • Bush Attended The JMI Dinner The Night Before. According to JMI’s 2013 Annual Report, “The dinner banquets included prominent guest speakers such as William Bennett, co-director of Empower America; Governor Jeb Bush, who spoke at the December 5, 2000 dinner — his first public remarks just days after Florida’s historic electoral recount; former U.S. Attorney General Ed Meese; and Richard DeVos, founder of Amway and owner of the Orlando Magic.” [JMI Annual Report, 4/12/13]
  • Bush Forwarded Hundley’s Email To Linda Buchanan In The Department Of Management Services, Saying “Please Respond.” According to an email from Gov. Jeb Bush to Linda Buchanan (DMS) on December 7, 2000, “Please respond.” [Gov. Jeb Bush Email to Linda Buchanan, 12/7/00]
  • Linda Buchanan Email To Gov. Jeb Bush On December 27, 2000: “This Was Handled Via A Telephone Call.” According to an email from Linda Buchanan to Gov. Jeb Bush on December 27, 2000, “This was handled via a telephone call. Linda Buchanan” [Linda Buchanan Email to Gov. Jeb Bush, 12/27/00]

In 2000, Hundley Was a Registered Lobbyist For Accredited Surety and Casualty Companies, LEF Construction, Inc., And Spearman Management. [leg.state.fl.us via archive.org, 8/15/00]

After Privatization of Personnel Services and Payroll Deductions Went Online in 2005, System Received “Chronic Complaints,” Was Two Years Behind Schedule, Was Projected to Save Only a Fifth of Originally Projected $93 Million Savings

Gov. Jeb Bush’s Administration Negotiated A Contract With The Company Convergys To Privatize “Personnel Services” Including Payroll Deductions In 2001-02. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Secretary Bill Simon also recommended withholding nearly $4.6 million from the company to cover the cost of keeping the state’s old computers running while the new system was delayed and withholding another $85,571 in overtime for correcting all the system’s payroll errors. Simon’s recommendation coincided with discovery of a new Convergys glitch, this time with payroll deductions for the United Way.Former DMS Secretary Cynthia Henderson negotiated the seven-year, $278 million contract with Convergys in 2001-02. Privatizing personnel services and giving employees online access to their time sheets and files was intended to avoid the $60 million to $80 million cost of replacing the state’s antiquated personnel computer system. It also eliminated about 900 state jobs.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/3/05]

After The Privatization “Went Online” There Were “Chronic Complaints Of Erroneous Withholding, Insurance Cancellations, Delayed Overtime Payments, And Prolonged Waits.” According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Since fall, when all 32 state agencies and 212,000 employees and retirees went online, there have been chronic complaints of erroneous withholding, insurance cancellations, delayed overtime payments and prolonged waits on the Convergys help line.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/3/05]

Tallahassee Democrat Editorial: The Privatization Contract “Produced What Might Be Called A Comedy Of Errors If Not For The Utter Despair Caused By Some Of The Human And Systemic Errors.” According to an editorial in the Tallahassee Democrat, “That’s because Mr. [Robert] Hosay was a major player in designing the outsourcing contract with Convergys, the largest privatization contract in state government, and which has produced what might be called a comedy of errors if not for the utter despair caused by some of the human and systemic errors.” [Editorial – Tallahassee Democrat, 2/6/05]

AFSCME Special Counsel Alma Gonzalez Said “Companies And Lobbyists With Republican Connections… Have Profited From Privatization” In Florida. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Alma Gonzalez, special counsel to AFSCME state president Jeanette Wynn, said Bush initiatives in ‘outsourcing’ have not saved taxpayers money or improved services. She cited efforts to privatize state personnel services with Convergys, contracting for computer services with Accenture, and BearingPoint and some Department of Children and Families projects. She said companies and lobbyists with Republican connections, including some former executives of state agencies now working in the private sector, have profited from privatization.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/8/05]

The Personnel Services Privatization Project Was Two Years Behind Schedule In 2005. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “But with the mammoth Convergys project running about two years behind schedule, and state employees howling about errors in payroll deductions and long waits on telephone help lines, even GOP lawmakers have taken a skeptical view of privatization this year. Committees in both chambers have made it a high priority for the session that starts a month from today.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 2/8/05]

The Personnel Services Privatization Was Initially Projected To Save Taxpayers $93 Million, But The Savings Were “Projected To Be About A Fifth Of The Original Estimate.” According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Three years ago, Gov. Jeb Bush decided to hire a private company to handle personnel services for state government. The projected savings to taxpayers: $93-million. It didn’t work out that way. The savings are now projected to be about a fifth of the original estimate. And state employees are furious about lousy service.” [St. Petersburg Times, 2/17/05]

Despite The Problems,” The Bush Administration “Extended Convergys’ Contract By Two Years- Giving The Company The Opportunity To Earn An Additional $88-Million.” According to the St. Petersburg Times, “Rep. Franklin Sands, D-Weston, said he could not understand why, despite the problems, the state extended Convergys’ contract by two years – giving the company the opportunity to earn an additional $88-million. ‘It’s a golden lollipop,’ Sands said.” [St. Petersburg Times, 2/17/05]

James Madison Institute Strongly Defended Bush’s Privatization Initiatives, Institute Fellow and Director of Government Reform Policy at Koch-Backed Reason and Urged Him to “Stay the Course”

JMI Said That “Bush’s Aggressive Privatization And Outsourcing Plans” Saved The State Money And Praised Bush For Vetoing A Bill Granting Legislative Oversight Of Outsourced Contracts. According to the Tallahassee Democrat, “Even though Gov. Jeb Bush vetoed a bill requiring increased oversight of state contracts, legislative leaders say it doesn’t mean no one will be watching the store. […]Advocacy groups such as the James Madison Institute, a conservative think tank, say Bush’s aggressive privatization and outsourcing plans are saving the state money. President Bob McClure praised the governor for vetoing the bill.” [Tallahassee Democrat, 7/3/05]

2005: JMI And Reason Fellow Geoffrey Segal Praised Gov. Bush’s “Strong Support Of Making Government Compete With The Private Sector.” According to an opinion by director of Government Reform Policy at Reason and JMI Fellow Geoffrey Segal for the James Madison institute, “Governor Bush has taken a lot of flak for his strong support of making government compete with the private sector. During his tenure, more than 120 projects ranging from prison food service to maintenance in state parks have been initiated, saving the state millions of dollars while simultaneously improving services.” [Geoffrey Segal – JMI, 5/6/05]

JMI Scholar Geoffrey F. Segal On Private Payroll Contract: “A Chief Benefit Of The Initiative Was That It Allows The State To Devote Fewer Internal Resources To Burdensome ‘Back Office’ Administrative Tasks.” According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “The state entered into a contract with Convergys Corporation of Ohio to administer almost all of its routine personnel functions, including payroll, insurance benefits, employee training and recruiting. The contract was highly touted and initially was estimated to save $173 million over seven years. The state was going to avoid $80 million in capital spending to replace an aging computer system, and was also going to save millions of dollars in recurring expenses for many fiscal years to come. A chief benefit of the initiative was that it allows the state to devote fewer internal resources to burdensome ‘back office’ administrative tasks and instead concentrate resources on the core mission, responsibilities and programs of state government.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “There Are Several Services And Functions For Which Other States Have Used Competitive Pressures To Innovate, Improve Results, And Save Money.” According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “There are several services and functions for which other states have used competitive pressures to innovate, improve results, and save money.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Florida Has Been At The Forefront Of Privatization For Years” And “Gov. Jeb Bush Has Been An Ardent Supporter” Of It. According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “Florida has been at the forefront of privatization for years. The administrations of Govs. Bob Graham, Bob Martinez, and Lawton Chiles have supported several privatization initiatives, and Gov. Jeb Bush has been an ardent supporter of privatization and results based government.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Gov. Jeb Bush Was Not The First To Bring Competitive Sourcing To The Sunshine State, And He Certainly Won’t Be The Last To Embrace Its Awesome Powers To Reform How Government Interacts With Taxpayers.”

According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “There is a long history in Florida with competitive sourcing—a history that extends beyond party lines, administrations, and even decades. Gov. Jeb Bush was not the first to bring competitive sourcing to the sunshine state, and he certainly won’t be the last to embrace its awesome powers to reform how government interacts with taxpayers.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Saving Money And Improving Services Will Always Be At The Top Of Every Governor’s Goals — And Competitive Sourcing Is A Proven Tool To Assist Them.” According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “Saving money and improving services will always be at the top of every Governor’s goals — and competitive sourcing is a proven tool to assist them.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Segal: “Stay The Course” On Privatization Efforts. According to an article written by James Madison Institute scholar Geoffrey F. Segal in JMI’s Backgrounder, “Most Floridians want their tax dollars spent in the most effective and efficient manner possible. If there is one thing to learn, it is that competition works to promote efficiency and restrain costs. Governments at every level have embraced it and will continue to do so. The moral: Stay the course.” [Geoffrey F. Segal – Backgrounder via JamesMadison.org, April 2005]

Bush-Founded Foundation for Excellence In Education Worked Repeatedly With James Madison Institute to Issue “Report Cards for ALEC

The Foundation For Excellence In Education Is An Associate Member Of The State Policy Network. According to the State Policy Network’s Member Directory, The Foundation for Excellence In Education is an Associate Member of SPN. [SPN.org, accessed 2/27/15]

The Foundation For Excellence In Education Was Founded By Jeb Bush In 2008. According to the Foundation for Excellence in Education’s website, “Founded by former Governor Jeb Bush in 2008, the Foundation for Excellence in Education’s (ExcelinEd) unique contribution is working with decision makers on developing and implementing reform policies. We are a hands-on, how-to organization that provides model legislation, rule-making expertise, implementation strategies, and public outreach. Our staff has years of experience working with state and local governments, legislative bodies, in the classroom, and with the media.” [excelined.org, accessed 2/27/15]

Bush Spoke At ALEC’s 40th Annual Meeting In August 2013 On Education Reform

Gov. Jeb Bush Spoke At ALEC’s 40th Annual Meeting In August 2013. According to the Guardian, “Ex-Florida governor Jeb Bush speaks at Alec’s 40th annual meeting in August. Alec has identified more than 40 lapsed corporate members.” [Guardian, 12/3/13]

Bush’s Speech Focused On Education Reform. According to a press release from the Foundation for Excellence in Education, “Governor Jeb Bush Delivers Education Reform Address to the American Legislative Exchange Council.” [Foundation for Excellence in Education, 8/9/13]

Foundation for Excellence In Education, ALEC, and JMI Issued “Report Card” On Education; Staffer Employed By Bush At Foundation for Excellence in Education “Wrote The Past Two ALEC Report Cards.”

Orlando Sentinel: “Jeb Bush Group, ALEC, And James Madison Institute To Present Report Card, Briefing On ‘Student Learning Options.’” According to the Orlando Sentinel via the James Madison Institute website, “Jeb Bush group, ALEC and James Madison Institute to present report card, briefing on ‘student learning options.’” [Orlando Sentinel via James Madison Institute, 1/30/13]

Matthew Ladner Was “On Staff With Bush’s Foundation For Excellence In Education And Also Wrote The Past Two ALEC Report Cards.” According to the Orlando Sentinel via the James Madison Institute, “The advisor, Matthew Ladner, is on staff with Bush’s Foundation for Excellence in Education and also wrote the past two ALEC report cards. ALEC, or the American Legislative Exchange Council, is a conservative group that pushes for education reform (among other issues).” [Orlando Sentinel via James Madison Institute, 1/30/13]

January 2015: Bush Attended Education Summit Co-Sponsored by His Foundation for Excellence In Education, James Madison Institute

In January 2015, Bush Attended An Education Summit In Tallahassee Co-Sponsored By The Foundation For Excellence In Education And The James Madison Institute. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Jeb Bush’s education foundation will hold a summit on Feb. 10 that the former governor will attend along with Gov. Rick Scott, Senate President Andy Gardiner and House Speaker Steve Crisafulli. The Foundation for Excellence in Education announced the summit today and said Bush will attend. (Conveniently, the presidential hopeful also has a fundraiser in Tallahassee that day). ‘The half-day event, 2-5 p.m., at The Alumni Center in Tallahassee, Fla., is convening top Florida policymakers and education stakeholders for a conversation about accountability and choice, two of the most important factors for unlocking student potential. Event cohosts include Associated Industries of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, Florida Council of 100, Hispanic CREO, the James Madison Institute, the Multicultural Education Alliance, and the Urban League of Greater Miami.’” [Tampa Bay Times, 1/23/15]

James Madison Institute Has Been A Member of The Koch-Backed State Policy Network Or Its Preceding Organization Since At Least 1991, During Bush’s Tenure On the Organization’s Board

The James Madison Institute Was A Member of The Madison Group As of At Least 1991. [National Committee for Responsible Philanthropy, Special Report: Burgeoning Conservative Think Tanks, Spring 1991]

In 1998, The James Madison Institute’s Website “Friends” Tab Redirected To A List Of State Policy Network Members. According to a captured version of jamesmadison.org from December 1998 via archive.org, “Friends” redirected to jamesmadison.org/spn which contained a list of State Policy Network members. [jamesmadison.org via archive.org, 12/1/98]