Bill Schuette in State of Michigan Archives
On Energy & Oil:
Opposed 25% electricity from renewables by 2025
Renewable Energy: Government support for renewable energy?Schuette: No. Opposed 2012 initiative to require 25% of electricity production from renewables by 2025.
Whitmer: Yes. Strong support for renewables.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Nov 1, 2018
On Abortion:
Enforce prohibitions on abortion; de-fund Planned Parenthood
Q: Abortion: Ban or legal? Support Michigan's 1931 pre-Roe law that criminalizes abortion?Bill Schuette (R): Ban, except for incest, rape, & life of the mother. Enforce state prohibitions.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Legal. End 24-hour waiting period &
pre-Roe ban.
Q: Contraception: Allow employers to withhold contraceptive coverage from employees if disagree with it morally? Stance on related family planning funding?
Schuette: Yes. Led lawsuit opposing employer mandate to provide contraceptive
coverage. Views as attack on religious liberty--and about abortion-inducing drugs, not birth control.
Whitmer: No. Require insurance companies to cover contraceptives. Restore low-income family planning funds.
Q: Allow Planned Parenthood public
funds for non-abortion health care?
Schuette: No. Joined lawsuit to prohibit Planned Parenthood from receiving funding.
Whitmer): Yes. Restore funding so can provide screenings and checkups, contraception, and maternity care.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Gay marriage ban was simply recognition that biology matters
Q: Support gay marriage?Bill Schuette (R): No. Defended voter-enacted marriage ban as "a simple recognition that biology matters." But will respect Supreme Court decision allowing it.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Introduced 2013 bill to repeal Michigan's same-sex marriage ban, two years before Supreme Court legalized gay marriage.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Crime:
Prosecute 17-year-olds as adults
Q: Prosecute all 17-year-olds as adults & house with adult criminals?Bill Schuette (R): Yes.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Unknown. Prioritize rehabilitation efforts for first-time offenders.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Drugs:
Led campaign against medical marijuana in 2008
Q: Marijuana: Support or oppose MI legalization initiative, Proposal 1?Bill Schuette (R): Concerned legalization will increase youth access, but will respect voters' will. Led campaign against medical marijuana in 2008 but now supports with proper
controls.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Supports legalization for adult recreational use & expungement & exoneration of cannabis-related criminal histories. Endorsed 2008 marijuana initiative.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Education:
Grade schools A-F, with performance-based grants
Q: Increase funding for K-12 education? Bill Schuette (R): No statements found on overall funding. Focus on literacy. "Grade schools on an A-F scale, giving schools performance-based grants as incentives."
Gretchen Whitmer (D):
Yes. Expand full-day universal pre-K. More resources for hard-to-educate children. Ensure School Aid Fund money goes to K-12 education, close tax loopholes that erode funding.
Q: Support vouchers to send children to private schools with public money. Expand charter schools?
Bill Schuette (R): Yes.
Use vouchers to send children to any participating school (public, private, religious). Expand charters.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): No. Opposes vouchers. Stronger oversight of charters. "Stop the dismantling of public education."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Education:
Support more trade & vocational offerings
Q: Increase state funding for higher education?Bill Schuette (R): Unclear. Support more trade & vocational offerings. The proposed tax cut would likely reduce general fund, so may risk higher education funding.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Apportion $100 million to give qualifying students 2 years of debt-free post-secondary education, whether in vocational schools or colleges.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Environment:
Opposes burdensome EPA regulations
Q: Consider climate change a critical threat? Limit creation of greenhouse gases? Participate in U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action?Bill Schuette (R): No. Joined letter arguing that science wasn't settled,
so Exxon wasn't lying about climate change. Opposed "burdensome" EPA regulations and Obama Clean Power Plan.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes.
Opposed Trump withdrawal from Paris Climate Accord. Called on Gov Snyder to join U.S. Climate Alliance. Create state Office of Climate Change.
Q: Government support for renewable energy?
Bill Schuette (R): No. Opposed 2012 initiative to require 25% of electricity production from renewables by 2025.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Strong support for renewables.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Free Trade:
Supports tariffs on China, to get a better deal
Q: Support Trump's imposition of tariffs on Chinese steel and other products?Bill Schuette (R): Yes. Believes Trump has his own "aggressive style" as he works to rebalance trade relationships. "In the end, I think it will be a good deal."
Gretchen Whitmer (D): No. Renegotiate trade deals but fears longlasting negative consequences from new tariffs & chaos caused by Trump's "disorderly rollout."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Government Reform:
Opposes ballot initative 2 (gerrymandered districts ok)
Q: Support Michigan's redistricting ballot initiative 2 to address charges of partisan gerrymandering?Bill Schuette (R): Opposes initiative. Asked MI Supreme Court to reject for creating "a fourth branch of government."
Gretchen Whitmer (D):
Yes. "Gerrymandering continues to disenfranchise voters in Michigan." Don't let partisan legislators draw political boundaries.
Q: Voting Rights: Support stricter or broader voting and registration rules?
Bill Schuette (R): Stricter. Supported end to straight-ticket voting.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Opposes strict voter ID laws, supports straight-ticket, automatic registration, letting anyone vote absentee.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Government Reform:
Oppose disclosure for who paid for political ads
Q: Campaign Finance: Require political ads to disclose largest funders? Support Citizens United decision, allowing unlimited political donations from corporations & unions?Bill Schuette (R): Unknown on limiting campaign spending or donations.
Supports candidates releasing tax returns. Backed Americans for Prosperity not disclosing donors for their political ads.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): As of 2004 supported disclosure of ad sponsors. Reverse "Citizens United on steroids legislation."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Gun Control:
Repeal restrictions on guns, including semi-automatics
Q: Support more restrictive gun control legislation? Restrict semi-automatic weapons?Bill Schuette (R): No. Repeal existing state restrictions. Challenged restrictions on semi-automatic weapons. NRA 100% rating.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Universal background checks on gun purchases and ban assault-style weapons. NRA 7% rating.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Health Care:
Replace ObamaCare with private insurance
Q: Support or Repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA)? Accept Medicaid expansion to subsidize low-income participants? Bill Schuette (R): Repeal ACA. Replace with private insurance. "ACA violated the very first principal of medicine: Do no harm."
Has called to cut state's Medicaid expansion, now says settled law. Calls Medicaid work requirements "the welfare reform of the 21st century."
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Supports ACA. Opposes work requirements for Medicaid; "we should be expanding."
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Immigration:
Joined 2016 lawsuit to block DACA expansion
Q: Support DREAM Act (DACA) recipients who arrived illegally as children, to achieve legal status under certain conditions?Bill Schuette (R): Declined to comment during campaign, but joined 2016 lawsuit to block DACA expansion.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Supports clean DREAM Act that protects Dreamers from deportation & offers a path to citizenship.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Jobs:
Supports right-to-work law as a great victory
Q: Do you support the right-to-work law, preventing unions mandating dues for workers they represent?
Bill Schuette (R): Yes. A "great victory." "I was the right-to-work Attorney General."
Gretchen Whitmer (D): No. Repeal right-to-work law.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Jobs:
Opposes prevailing wage law
Q: Raise the minimum wage from the current $7.25/hr?Bill Schuette (R): Unknown. Would exclude workers on small farms. Opposes prevailing wage law & expanded overtime protection.
Gretchen Whitmer (D): Yes. Increase to $15/hour over three years.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Cut taxes and make Michigan a growth state
Q: Support President Trump's tax cuts? Cut Michigan taxes?Bill Schuette (R): Yes. "I will cut taxes like @POTUS did nationally and make Michigan a growth state." Reduce MI taxes from 4.25% to 3.9%.
Gretchen Whitmer (D):
No. Trump cuts help millionaires & billionaires, not families just trying to get by." Repeal retirement tax. Increase state user fees to pay for infrastructure.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Governor race
Oct 9, 2018
On Abortion:
Supports the rights of the unborn
Bill is a strong defender for the rights of the unborn
and has been repeatedly supported by Michigan Right to Life.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Budget & Economy:
Make better jobs cutting taxes, regulations and wastefulness
Bill will cut taxes, regulations and wasteful spending to strengthen our economy and create better paying jobs. He will champion vocational education, so whether our high school graduates are college-ready or job-ready, they will be ready.
He will prepare students for careers in the skilled trades, ensuring multiple pathways to progress in our 21st century economy and a secure place in America's middle class.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Crime:
History of getting justice for rape victims
Bill Schuette fought for victims of violent crime and won. Schuette got justice for rape victims by finding funding to test abandoned
evidence kits, track down the rapists and prosecute them. And, Bill has helped recover millions in back child support for children in need.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Drugs:
The opioid epidemic cannot be solved with just arresting
Michigan is gripped by an epidemic of opioid addictions that must be fought on all fronts. Bill works daily to slow the availability of opioids and heroin with a special criminal unit that targets the distribution of these drugs.
However, we cannot arrest our way out of this problem, so Bill has supported legislation to limit prescriptions and the recent increased federal funding to create education and treatment programs at the state level that have been lacking.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Education:
Give parents more choices for their kids' education
Michigan's school test scores are among the worst in the nation. Bill will change this by giving parents and students more choices, and ensuring all kids can read by the third grade. When we give parents a choice, we give children a chance.
Bill will provide transportation scholarships for families that can't afford the transportation costs for their children to escape failing schools and gain access to special programs.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Government Reform:
Terminate government pensions for those caught embezzling
As Attorney General, Bill held government officials accountable with his Public Integrity Unit by bringing
350 charges against former government officials, including the termination of taxpayer-funded pensions for 13 ex-Detroit principals who embezzled millions from schoolchildren.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Government Reform:
Wants tax returns released from all top elected officials
Bureaucrats and elected officials must work for taxpayers, not look out for themselves. Bill will bring the highest ethical standards to Lansing with his plan to require personal financial disclosure for elected officials, make our
legislature part-time, mandate that top officials release their tax returns, and expand freedom of information laws to include the Governor and Lieutenant Governor's offices.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Gun Control:
Proud protector of the 2nd Amendment, NRA rates him "A"
He is an avid hunter and protector of our 2nd Amendment rights. Bill has been repeatedly endorsed by the
National Rifle Association and received an "A" rating.
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Welfare & Poverty:
Welfare must balance hand up aid with helping able find work
"Michigan has a responsibility to reevaluate and ensure that taxpayer-funded programs are not only efficient but that they are ensuring the best outcomes," said
Schuette.˙˙"Welfare programs must always be judged on their ability to give a hand up to citizens in need of help and by their ability to identify and eliminate hurdles to helping able-bodied citizens find a place in our workforce."
Source: 2018 Michigan Governor campaign website BillSchuette.com
Aug 31, 2018
On Education:
Advocate of partnerships between schools and companies
He's an advocate of partnerships between schools and companies to provide students with valuable apprenticeships. And he wants to combat the state's "outrageous" third-grade reading levels.
To do so, Schuette plans to grade schools on an A through F scale, provide grants to high performing schools, install a literacy director in the governor's office, and create a Michigan Literacy Foundation.
Source: The Detroit News on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jul 25, 2018
On Environment:
Charged 15 city and state officials for Flint water crisis
Two years ago, he opened a probe into Flint's lead-contaminated water crisis and has charged 15 former and current city and state officials with crimes and misdemeanors.
Schuette charged six officials, including Gov. Rick Snyder's state health chief and chief medical executive, with involuntary manslaughter.
Source: The Detroit News on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jul 25, 2018
On Principles & Values:
Served 3 terms in Congress & then as state Attorney General
In 1984, at the age of 31, Schuette won his first election to the U.S. House. He served three terms before losing a 1990 run against Democratic U.S. Sen. Carl Levin of Detroit. In 2010, Schuette sought higher office and was
elected attorney general. He hasn't shied away from highly visible and controversial cases, such as joining other state attorneys general in opposing rules and policies of the Democratic Obama administration.
Source: The Detroit News on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jul 25, 2018
On Civil Rights:
Include LGBT gender identity in laws against discrimination
The Michigan Civil Rights Commission directed an agency to continue investigating complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, after the state AG declared the basis for the probes to be invalid because state law does
not protect LGBT people from discrimination. He said "sex" refers to the biological differences between males and females--not sexual orientation or gender identity--and only the Legislature or voters can expand the law to protect LGBT citizens.
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jul 23, 2018
On Homeland Security:
Provided two new legal resources for all members of military
AG˙Schuette has˙introduced two new resources for Michigan Military families and Michigan Veterans, in honor of˙Military Consumer Protection Day. "I am proud to provide two new legal resources for our Michigan˙military community," said Schuette. "The
incredible sacrifices by the men and women of the Armed Forces cannot be overstated." The two resources were developed for military families who experience˙frequent relocation, separation from family and friends, and˙stresses of deployment.
Source: Atty. Genl. press release: 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jun 30, 2018
On Energy & Oil:
Joins lawsuit challenging Obama's Clean Power Plan
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette will be targeted in a new ad campaign for his opposition to the Obama administration's efforts to move the nation toward clean energy. Independence USA, the Michael Bloomberg-backed PAC, is set to launch
television ads in the coming weeks that criticize Schuette for joining a lawsuit that challenges the Clean Power Plan, which calls for reductions in greenhouse gases.The Clean Power Plan requires states to get at least 28% of their electricity from
renewable sources like wind and solar. It seeks a 32% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
States have challenged the plan in the U.S. Court of Appeals, arguing it would drive up electricity rates paid by consumers. In an August statement,
Schuette said: "I am deeply concerned by yet another executive action taken by President Obama and the EPA that violates the Clean Air Act and causes the price of electricity to increase, placing jobs at risk and costing Michigan families more," he said.
Source: Detroit News AdWatch on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jun 18, 2018
On Environment:
Opposing EPA regulations earns him polluter protector label
Schuette's campaign website says he "successfully opposed President Obama's job-killing energy regulations that would have hurt Michigan's economy and increased utility bills for hard-working families." The statement references Schuette's involvement
in a pair of lawsuits against U.S. EPA regulations largely affecting coal-fired power plants. Those same lawsuits are under scrutiny from Progress Michigan which claims the suits show Schuette protects polluters.
Source: MichiganRadio.org on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jun 18, 2018
On Tax Reform:
Signed pledge to oppose any tax increase
I recently received high praise from the nation's preeminent grassroots leader for tax cuts. The president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), said, "Bill Schuette has been a consistent tax fighter and friend of taxpayers. Nobody will fight harder
or more effectively to cut taxes in Michigan, as President Trump has done nationally." I have signed ATR's Pledge to oppose any tax increase. If I have the honor of serving as governor, I will make eliminating Granholm's income tax hike a top priority.
Source: Holland Sentinel OpEd for 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
May 28, 2018
On Health Care:
End Medicaid expansion and put in work requirement
[MR]: You want to roll back the Medicaid expansion. So for the hundreds of thousands who managed to get themselves health insurance, what would you do for them?[BS]: "The fact is the federal funds were not indefinite. Mike Shirkey and I are working
together on putting a requirement in of a work requirement for Medicaid. It's an important cultural requirement that you further reinforce the significance of work. And it would be a more efficient government and save the state and taxpayers money.
Source: MichiganRadio.org on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
May 24, 2018
On Technology:
Invest in infrastructure but vows to lower taxes
"AG Schuette believes we need increased investment in our roads and bridges," a campaign spokesman said. "It is a huge priority now and for our future." Schuette did not address how much more money is needed to repair roads or other infrastructure.
He did not say where this additional money would come from, nor reconcile his call for "increased investment" in roads with his campaign pledge to lower taxes, which would likely leave less state revenue for road repair.
Source: The Michigan Bridge on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Mar 6, 2018
On Immigration:
It isn't a ban on Muslims; Trump puts security first
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette tweeted on Monday evening his support of President Donald Trump's recent executive order barring immigrants˙from seven˙countries. In a series of three˙tweets,
Schuette said that he believes in an immigration policy that "discriminates against no one," that˙Trump's order is˙"not a ban on Muslims, and he is placing the security of Americans first."
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jan 31, 2017
On Environment:
Sue firms that caused Flint drinking water crisis
The Michigan attorney general filed a lawsuit Wednesday morning against a water company and an˙engineering firm, plus several related companies, in connection with the Flint drinking water crisis, alleging the firms' "acts and omission constitute
professional negligence, fraud and public nuisance." Attorney General Bill Schuette's lawsuit names seven corporate˙defendants in all, but according to court records they are all related to two firms that did work for the City of Flint.
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2018 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jun 22, 2016
On Civil Rights:
No same-sex marriage; no LGBT anti-discrimination laws
Q: Do you believe that the Michigan government should include sexual orientation in Michigan's anti-discrimination laws?A: No.
Q: Do you believe that the Michigan government should recognize same-sex marriages?
A: No.
Q: Should physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients be banned in Michigan?
A: Yes.
Source: Michigan Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
On Government Reform:
Supports term limits and campaign finance disclosure
Q: Do you support limits on the number of terms of the Governor?A: Yes.
Q: Of State Senators and Representatives?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q:
Would you vote to ratify an amendment to the U.S. Constitution requiring an annual balanced federal budget?
A: Yes.
Q: Should candidates for state legislature be required to sign an affidavit affirming that their commercials are truthful?
A: Yes.
Source: Michigan Legislative 1996 National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1996
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021