Bush discusses economy at Dallas conference

By JAMIE STENGLE

DALLAS

Former President George W. Bush says he is optimistic the U.S. economy can get back on track through accelerated growth.

Bush on Tuesday gave one of his first speeches on the topic since leaving office. He told a conference in Dallas the nation is great enough to achieve a 4 percent domestic product growth rate.

The George W. Bush Institute has cited reaching 4 percent as one of its top goals. The U.S. economy has grown an average of about 3.5 percent a year since the 1950s.

Bush also spoke about his decision while in office to offer a government bailout. He says he would make the same decision again. He says the focus going forward should be on growth, not regulation.

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Online:

George W. Bush President Center, http://www.georgewbushcenter.com/