House Republicans on Tuesday promised to pass a slew of bills in the first 90 days of the legislative session aimed at creating jobs, improving schools and streamlining government.

The list of legislation included few specifics. And, notably, Republicans did not pledge support for Gov. Mark Sanford’s tuition tax credit proposal, known as “Put Parents in Charge.”

House Speaker David Wilkins said specifics will come later. House members can begin filing bills Dec. 8 for the session that begins Jan. 11. Tuesday was the beginning of a two-day session in which members elect leaders and assign committees.

“It is bold to say we will do this in 90 days,” said Wilkins, who was re-elected speaker. “Because of the strong Republican majority, we will be able to do that.”

Standing on the State House steps under cloudy skies, the Republicans announced their agenda, dubbed the Palmetto Pledge:

• The 2005 Jobs Creation Act, which may include tax credits for companies to help cover increasing health insurance costs or for hiring more employees

• The Income Tax Reduction Act, a plan to reduce the state’s top income tax rate from 7 percent to 4.75 percent

• The Restructuring of State Government Act, which could include a referendum allowing voters to decide whether the governor should appoint constitutional officers, such as secretary of state

• The Legal Justice Reform and Medical Malpractice Act, which might restrict verdicts, and how and where lawsuits can be filed

• The Education Reform Act, which could include bills supporting charter schools, allowing home-schooled children to participate in public-school arts programs, and tuition tax credits.

Asked afterward why the pledge did not specifically mention Put Parents in Charge, Wilkins said House Republicans support a variety of bills that would give parents choices other than public schools. He said he didn’t know whether Put Parents in Charge would pass if put up for a vote.

Many Democrats and some Republicans oppose the bill, saying it would drain money from already needy public schools. The issue likely will be one of the most contentious of the 2005 session.

Despite the absence of vocal support for tax credits, Sanford stood with House Republicans and praised their efforts. Much of the Palmetto Pledge resembles Sanford’s agenda.

Reach Talhelm at (803) 771-8339 or jtalhelm@thestate.com.