Contact: Jeff Leieritz (202) 905-2104              [email protected]

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 17 – Presidential candidate and former Florida Governor Jeb Bush addressed and responded to questions from members of a coalition of major nationwide business groups in a TeleForum this afternoon. Bush answered questions from members of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Associated General Contractors, Business-Industry Political Action Committee, National Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business and National Retail Federation.

“Decisions made by the executive branch have an impact on our 21,000 members every day and our members will support the candidate that will put together the best plan for economic growth and a fair and level playing field for merit shop contractors,” said ABC President and CEO Michael Bellaman. “Our industry is largely reliant on the health of the overall economy, and greater economic growth means more work for ABC members and more construction jobs across the country.

“The construction industry faces a long list of challenges including a burdensome regulatory environment, the challenge of obtaining affordable health care coverage for employees amid rising costs, a shortage of appropriately skilled workers and the highest effective tax rate of any industry,” said Bellaman. “ABC was founded based on a commitment from our membership to free enterprise and we appreciate Gov. Bush taking the time to discuss his plan for economic growth and a more favorable business environment directly from him.”

The 2016 election cycle marks the third consecutive presidential campaign cycle that candidates have addressed and responded to questions from ABC members.

Gov. Bush is the second presidential candidate to accept the coalition of business groups’ invitation to address and answer questions from its members, following a Nov. 4 TeleForum with Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.). The other candidates invited to speak with the groups are (in alphabetical order):

• Dr. Ben Carson
• Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
• Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas)
• Former HP CEO Carly Fiorina
• Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee
• Ohio Governor John Kasich
• Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.)
• Businessman Donald Trump

The candidates qualified for the initial invitation by maintaining at least four percent in the Real Clear Politics average of polls during the period starting from the first GOP debate and ending on Labor Day. Should additional candidates average at least four percent for a 30-day time period prior to the start of voting, an invitation to participate will be sent to them.