State of Michigan Archives: on Education
Shri Thanedar:
No tax credits for donations for private school scholarships
Summary by Mackinac Center (10/14/21): To authorize a K-12 "student opportunity scholarship program" that would allow individuals and businesses to get a tax credit for contributing to a nonprofit "scholarship organization" that would
provide grants to lower income families to pay tuition at a non-public school, or pay for other education expenses, services and supplies.Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would require
Michigan taxpayers to foot the bill for any money a person gives to certain private education organizations, costing as much as $500 million in 2022 alone. Simply put, our schools cannot provide the high-quality education our kids deserve if we turn
private schools into tax shelters for the wealthy.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-16-0 on Oct/19/21; passed House 55-49-5 on Oct/27/21; State Rep. Shri Thanedar voted NO; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.
Source: Michigan State Legislature voting records SB687
Oct 27, 2021
Gretchen Whitmer:
No tax credits for donations for private school scholarships
Summary by Mackinac Center (10/14/21): To authorize a K-12 "student opportunity scholarship program" that would allow individuals and businesses to get a tax credit for contributing to a nonprofit "scholarship organization" that would
provide grants to lower income families to pay tuition at a non-public school, or pay for other education expenses, services and supplies.Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would require
Michigan taxpayers to foot the bill for any money a person gives to certain private education organizations, costing as much as $500 million in 2022 alone. Simply put, our schools cannot provide the high-quality education our kids deserve if we turn
private schools into tax shelters for the wealthy.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-16-0 on Oct/19/21; passed House 55-49-5 on Oct/27/21; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.
Source: Michigan State Legislature voting records SB687
Nov 5, 2021
Abdul El-Sayed:
Get profit motive out of public education
I will fight to guarantee every child access to the best public education imaginable, from pre-K to postgrad. This includes renewed investment in school infrastructure, so that children are learning in safe, healthy environments.
This includes establishing high quality, universal pre-K. And this includes getting the profit motive out of public education--putting our children's futures back in the hands of families, educators, and communities, rather than private interests.
Source: 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial website AbdulForMichigan.com
Nov 1, 2017
Bill Schuette:
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
Bill Schuette:
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
Bill Schuette:
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
Bill Schuette:
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
Bob Young:
Parents should decide to which school they send their kids
Desiring an education of children "for the realities of this century," Young would allow parents, no matter their economic level, the opportunity to send their children to the school they think best. "People like
Debbie Stabenow support public school monopolies and many urban areas have turned schools, not only into bankrupt educational enterprises, but crime-ridden killing zones," Young said.
Source: Midland Daily News on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jun 19, 2017
Brenda Lawrence:
Refinance college loans to reduce student debt
Student loan debt is exploding. Outstanding student loans now total more than $1.2 trillion--and each year, students are taking on more and more and more. In 2012, an astonishing 71% of college seniors owed student loans, and, from
2004 to 2012, the average student loan balance increased by 70%.Now, millions of young people are struggling to keep up with their student loan payments.
Young people are working hard, playing by the rules, and getting an education--only to be crushed with student loan debt.
The economic impact is real. Forty million Americans have outstanding student loans. The Bank on Students Emergency
Loan Refinancing Act will save millions of these young people hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year, putting real money back into their pockets. The sooner we pass refinancing legislation, the sooner they'll get a little bit of relief.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, BrendaLawrence.com
Oct 10, 2014
Brenda Lawrence:
Public-private partnerships to connecting college to jobs
Q: What would you do to help colleges control the cost of tuition?Brenda Lawrence: Require public private partnerships and connecting education to jobs. I think schools should publish the completion rates of the students in their
programs and the students earnings upon graduation. Companies should be investing in the cost of education by the industry that will receive the worker.
We need extended programs like Teach America where students get credit.
Marcia Squier (Green Party): I would implement an extension of the public education system to include all ages of people, from preschool to PhD.
If elected, I would support full federal funding of public universities. I also support the elimination of all current student debt through quantitative easing.
Source: VotersGuide on 2016 Michigan House race
Nov 1, 2016
Dave Trott:
Opposes government control by Common Core standards
The Federal government has grown out of control, taking far too important a role in not only our lives, but those of our children as well. Dave opposes the Common Core standards that are attempting to assert even
more government control and further remove parents from their children's education. Dave knows that an educated workforce drives our economy, and, as Congressman, will support a wide array of secondary and higher education choices.
Source: 2014 Michigan House campaign website, TrottForCongress.com
Nov 4, 2014
Debbie Stabenow:
Supports student loan refinancing and Pell Grants
Q: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by more tax on high earners (Elizabeth Warren proposal)? Increase federal aid, like Pell Grants?John James (R): Unknown. Would "have to take a more detailed look" at student loan forgiveness before
commenting.
Debbie Stabenow (D): Yes. Author of Reducing Educational Debt Act addressing student loan refinancing. Voted to raise number of Pell Grants & maximum amount per grant. Voted to make 2 years of community college free.
Source: CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
Debbie Stabenow:
Has long opposed school vouchers
Education: Give parents vouchers to send children to private schools with public money?James: Yes.
Let parents "use their tax dollars to send their children to the best schools."
Stabenow: No. Has long opposed school vouchers. Says create world-class public education.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Senate race
Nov 1, 2018
Garrett Soldano:
Respect a parent's right to educate children as they see fit
We must give parents a choice and empower them to make the best decision for their child. Lockdowns also proved to many families that homeschooling was a better option for their child, and I will always respect a parent's right to educate their children
how they see fit. Rebuilding our education system means that all schools - public, private, and charter schools - are equipped to deliver a quality education.
Source: 2022 MI Governor campaign website GarrettForMichigan.com
Dec 22, 2021
Gretchen Whitmer:
Invest in education; hold charters accountable
I am committed to expanding early childhood education to all Michigan kids. To improve outcomes for all students means boosting instructional hours, respecting and supporting our teachers and staff, and investing in
our classrooms and wraparound services. Charter schools and the businesses that run them must be held accountable. It's time we put much-needed oversight in place to hold charter schools accountable.
Source: 2018 Michigan Gubernatorial website GretchenWhitmer.com
Nov 1, 2017
Gretchen Whitmer:
Opposes vouchers: Stop the dismantling of public education
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
Gretchen Whitmer:
2 years of debt-free post-secondary education
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
Gretchen Whitmer:
Double down on investment in early literacy
Michigan ranks in the bottom 10 states for overall literacy. We're doubling down on the commitment to invest in early literacy. We're working to make pre-k universal for kids where test scores are low or poverty is high. And we're providing
better access to childcare for parents who are in school or working full-time. We've tripled the number of literacy coaches in the state. The next step is to have literacy coaches train educators to better identify and support struggling readers.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
Gretchen Whitmer:
Increase number of post-secondary credentials to 60% by 2030
In 2019, I set a goal to increase the number of Michiganders with a post-secondary credential to 60% by 2030. To get there, there's bipartisan legislation called Michigan Reconnect, that will provide tuitionfree skills training and degree programs for
adults. Our business community supports Michigan Reconnect. And here's why: We have over 100,000 in-demand jobs to fill. These are good paying jobs--jobs in construction, IT, and advanced manufacturing. But they demand specialized skills training.
Source: 2020 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 29, 2020
Gretchen Whitmer:
Students are preparing for jobs that don't even exist today
Michigan needs a governor who knows how to get things done to fix our schools, so every student has the support, tools and skills they need to compete for high-wage jobs and have full and productive lives. Students are preparing for jobs that don't
even exist today, which means we must teach them how to think critically, to problem solve complex issues and to work as a team. That's what this agenda is all about.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial website GretchenWhitmer.com
Mar 24, 2020
Gretchen Whitmer:
Our economy demands every child has a great public education
Our economy demands every child has a great public education. Despite the budget crisis caused by COVID, we worked across the aisle to support our public schools. I signed a bipartisan budget that protected our kids from school cuts
and took another step towards a weighted funding formula. That means additional support for: students with special needs, economically disadvantaged students, and English language learners.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 27, 2021
Gretchen Whitmer:
Tuition-free opportunities for COVID front line workers
I created Futures for Frontliners, modeled after the G.I. Bill after World War II - tuition-free postsecondary education opportunities for the heroes on the front lines of the pandemic. Our frontline workers--everyone who stepped up to
protect us--are heroes. They stayed at work so the rest of us could stay home. More than 82,000 frontline heroes have been accepted into the program. That's over 82,000 lives who will enhance their skill set and earn higher wages.
Source: 2021 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 27, 2021
Jack Bergman:
Government monopoly on education is a tragedy
Thomas Jefferson once said, "An educated citizenry is a vital requisite for our survival as a free people." He was right!The government monopoly on education for a large proportion of Americans is a tragedy and should be viewed as
the modern civil rights issue of our time. We need to offer education reform that supports more choice in education, from public schooling to home schooling. Everyone in the United States deserves a great education.
Source: 2016 Michigan House campaign website BergmanForCongress.com
Nov 8, 2016
James Craig:
Parents deserve school choice; led to his conservatism
On education, he said parents deserve school choice, particularly in vulnerable nonwhite neighborhoods. "They want to send their kids to a good school. As a young man, I knew that there was a high school that I wanted to go to. It wasn't choice.
And it was a high school that you have to compete to get in. And I got in, and I know it made a big difference in me professionally over the years," he said. In fact, it was school choice he said that began his transformation to conservatism.
Source: The Washington Examiner on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Aug 23, 2021
John Engler:
Expand public school choice; lift cap on charters
Support for public schools, including charter schools, remains strong. It would be a tragedy if an artificial cap blocked Michigan from sharing in the new $3 billion Charter School Homestead Plan proposed by the President. So tonight, I renew my
call to lift the cap. The cap must go.It is time to allow teachers' unions to operate charter schools. The unions that represent classroom teachers are uniquely qualified to run schools. Let's tear down the barriers and expand public school choices.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Michigan legislature
Jan 31, 2001
John James:
Every high school student should be career- or college-ready
Every child in Michigan should be career or college ready when he or she leaves high school.
Parents and local communities should be empowered to determine the best way to achieve this goal, not Washington.
Source: 2018 Michigan Senate campaign website JohnJamesForSenate.com
Mar 2, 2018
John James:
Supports public money for private schools
Q: Education: Give parents vouchers to send children to private schools with public money?John James (R): Yes. Let parents "use their tax dollars to send their children to the best schools."
Debbie Stabenow (D): No. Has long opposed school vouchers. Says create world-class public education.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2018
John James:
We have failed our children, supports school choice
On school choice: "Our No. 1 economic threat, national-security threat, and civil-rights threat is the educational system in this country,"
he says. "We have failed our children for generations." He supports school choice and sits on the board of the Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, a public charter school in Detroit.
Source: National Review on 2020 Michigan Senate race
May 14, 2020
Marcia Squier:
Extend free public education from pre-school to PhD
Q: What would you do to help colleges control the cost of tuition?
Marcia Squier: I would implement an extension of the public education system to include all ages of people, from preschool to PhD. I would encourage online curriculum and
offer free internet access to all students. If elected, I would support full federal funding of public universities. Private colleges and charter schools would not receive federal funding and would be considered as for-profit corporations and taxed
accordingly to provide additional funding for public education. I also support the elimination of all current student debt through quantitative easing.
Rep. Brenda Lawrence (Dem.): Require public private partnerships and connecting education to jobs.
Companies should be investing in the cost of education by the industry that will receive the worker. We need extended programs like Teach America where students get credit.
Source: VotersGuide on 2016 Michigan House race
Nov 1, 2016
Marcia Squier:
More funding needed for public schools; now more than ever
I am now more determined than ever to advocate for more funding in public schools--especially Detroit?
Thanks to @Jays Fades for inviting me to this great event! I hope to be invited back soon!
Source: Facebook posting for 2018 Michigan Senate race
May 31, 2017
Marcia Squier:
No vouchers for schools, but ok for colleges
Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?
A: Oppose--except for higher education (college, trade, vocational schools)
Source: OnTheIssues interview on 2018 Michigan Senate race
Jul 19, 2017
Mark Schauer:
OpEd: Schauer focused on wages and benefits of the teachers
Mark Schauer said in one of his commercials that Gov. Rick Snyder has taken $1 million away from the school system. Schauer will pour millions into the schools.
In Calhoun County, there are big, gigantic, multi-million dollar high schools popping up all over the place. The primary reason is a great deal of community pride.
Schauer works this angle and tosses in: he does not care about the education of the school kids, but the wages and benefits of the teachers.
On top of it all, there is the
Common Core curriculum standards being forced upon us by the Obama administration. It will brainwash generations of school kids by not teaching the truth about history, the Constitution or America.
Source: Battle Creek Enquirer OpEd: 2014 Michigan governor's race
Mar 12, 2014
Mike Bishop:
Supports Ten Commandments & voluntary prayer in schools
Bishop indicates support of the following principles regarding education.- Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
-
Support posting the Ten Commandments in public schools.
- Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
Source: 2000 Michigan National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Mike Bishop:
Oppose Common Core nationwide standards
Q: The federal government should establish nationwide standards (such as Common Core) for high-school graduation?
Bishop: Strongly Disagree
Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 30, 2014
Mike Bishop:
Supports charter schools; support corporate investment
Bishop indicates support of the following principles regarding education.- Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
-
Support charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
- Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
Source: 2000 Michigan National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 2000
Rick Snyder:
Mandatory school choice for every school; remove boundaries
School funding should follow the student. This includes mandatory school choice for every public school district.
Providing open access to a quality education without boundaries is essential. We must minimize all state and local barriers that hinder innovation at the local level.
Source: 2011 Michigan gubernatorial press release, "Special Message"
Apr 27, 2011
Rick Snyder:
CCSTEP: capital equipment for training in community colleges
We should be really proud of CCSTEP. It was about providing capital equipment to our community colleges to upgrade their career tech education programs. So if you're an auto technician looking to do auto repair you didn't go on 10 year-old equipment,
you're using the same equipment you're going to walk on the job and use. If you're doing machining the same thing. It was an outstanding investment that we helped 18 community colleges. I went around and toured a number of these community colleges.
The results are outstanding. Places like Bay College are doing emergency medical technician.One of the most exciting programs I heard of was at Washtenaw Community College at the Auto Show. They are literally doing mobility technicians to
understand how to do lidar vision systems, all these new systems that are going to be going on vehicles. It's cutting edge. That's the kind of attitude we need to bring to career connectedness and we are going to invest more in programs like this.
Source: 2017 Michigan State of the State address
Jan 17, 2017
Terri Lynn Land:
Local funding and local control of schools
Michigan First: Why I Oppose Common CoreBack to school season is already upon us. I'm a mom, and the thing that was always on top of my mind this time of year was making sure my kids were getting a good education.
A bedrock principle of
America's education system is local funding and local control of schools, that means putting Michigan first, not Washington. I support ending the Washington-imposed standards on local schools in Common Core and returning the power to our teachers, local
communities and parents.
I believe Michigan moms, dads and teachers know what's best for our kids, not Washington insiders. We need more state and local control of education, rather than the one-size-fits-all, top-down approach of the
Obama Administration.
What's best for Chicago is not what's best for Cheboygan. By returning control to local communities, we will put Michigan First and ensure a stronger education for our children that will prepare them for the future.
Source: 2014 Michigan Senate campaign website, TerriLynnLand.com
Aug 29, 2014
Tudor Dixon:
COVID: stalling education is not acceptable or good policy
Tudor believes that Michigan can get back to the days when American-made meant Michigan built, and Michigan might powered America muscle. That means unleashing our people to innovate, work hard, and reap the fruits of their labor.
It also means accelerating the future of our next generation--our students--and rejecting the notion that holding them back and stalling their learning is acceptable or good policy.
Source: 2021 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com
Jul 5, 2021
Tudor Dixon:
Ban born boys from girls' teams in gender-specific sports
- Preserve Parents' Rights: Require school districts to put all curriculum and teaching materials online for parents to see and ban school personnel from talking to Kindergarten-3rd grade children about sex and gender theory secretly
behind their parents' backs.
- Protect Girls' Sports: Protect young girls from being forced to compete against biological boys in school sports by banning born boys from playing on girls' teams in school-sanctioned, gender-specific sports.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com
Aug 3, 2022
Tudor Dixon:
Develop curriculum focusing on America's founding principles
Improve Civic & Financial Literacy: Enact substantial civic and financial literacy requirements for grade school. Develop a civics curriculum that focuses on America's founding principles, the
United States Constitution, and the roles and responsibilities of government as envisioned by America's founding fathers.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com
Aug 3, 2022
Tudor Dixon:
Let parents choose education environment for their child
Create Education Savings Accounts: Empower parents to decide which education environment is best for their child.
Allow families to use the state's per-pupil funding amount on public, private, charter, virtual, or homeschooling options.
Source: 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website TudorDixon.com
Aug 3, 2022
Tudor Dixon:
Protect kids from critical race theory, trans ideology
Dixon ran as a proud conservative mother of four children who vows to stop what she considers the indoctrination of kids in school. She's promised to ensure school kids are protected from "anti-American critical race theory"
and "trans ideology," a term used by some conservatives and religious organizations to describe the belief in gender dysmorphia.
Source: Bridge Michigan on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Aug 2, 2022
Tudor Dixon:
Office of Safe Schools to protect children from shootings
Michigan Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and her Republican challenger Tudor Dixon clashed over how to protect children from school shootings, with Dixon arguing for more security at school buildings and Whitmer making the case for gun control measures.
Dixon said she wants armed security at schools, as well as a single entry point for school buildings. "We need an Office of Safe Schools, like states like Florida have, to make sure that this is a top priority," Dixon said.
"We've been trying that for 30 years. It's not working," Whitmer said. Instead, she said, Michigan needs to enact laws requiring background checks and secure storage, as well as "red flag" laws. "Ask yourself, who is going to keep your kids safe:
The former prosecutor with plans, or a candidate with thoughts and prayers?" Whitmer said.
Source: CNN Politics on 2022 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Oct 25, 2022
Gretchen Whitmer:
A free, public preschool education for every 4-year-old
Every parent knows an early start is critical to their child's future. It's why we: read, talk, and sing to our babies, worry about finding a great child care provider, and have wait lists for great preschools.
Let's expand our bipartisan preschool effort--the Great Start Readiness Program--so every 4-year-old in Michigan can access a free, public preschool education by the end of my second term.
Let's fund MI Kids Back on Track, to offer every child personalized learning support to get them back on track for long-term success Investing in tutoring, after-school programs, and other learning supports gets children
1-on-1 time with a caring, qualified educator that they need to succeed. We need tutoring to get our kids back on track for Michigan's long-term economic success. Let's fund MI Kids Back on Track before spring break.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Gretchen Whitmer:
Goal: 60% earn a degree or skills certificate by 2030
To help young people get jobs to "make stuff and grow stuff," let's support talent development and keep closing in on our 60 by 30 goal to have 60% of people earn a degree or skills certificate by 2030. Let's keep funding the bipartisan
Michigan Achievement Scholarship, which lowers the cost of higher education--community college, private, or public university--by thousands of dollars for most students and makes college tuition-free for 65% of graduating seniors.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 25, 2023
Mike Rogers:
Schools care more about social engineering than the three Rs
[On education policy]: "Schools care more about social engineering than as my father used to say, "the three Rs, Readin', 'Riting, 'Rithmetic."
Rogers refers to "social engineering" in schools, which appears to dovetail with the rhetoric from the "parental rights" movement supported by Republicans that has opposed books and curriculum dealing with racism and LGBTQ+ issues.
Source: Michigan Advance on 2024 Michigan Senate race
Sep 6, 2023
James Craig:
Mississippi provides a model that other states can replicate
Mississippi provides a model that other states can replicate in order to improve outcomes for students. The Mississippi model is characterized by:- Increased reliance on phonics and a broader approach to literacy.
- Emphasis on professional
development especially at underperforming schools.
- Funding for pre-Kindergarten programs targeting low-income areas.
- Full-day programs with qualified teachers paid at the same rate as elementary school staff.
Source: 2024 Michigan Senate campaign website ChiefJamesCraig.com
Oct 10, 2023
Gretchen Whitmer:
Sending a message LOUD and CLEAR: we support our teachers
We're sending a message LOUD and CLEAR: we support our teachers. We walk the walk. We fund scholarships for future educators, pay student teachers, and help full-time teachers with their student loans so they stay in Michigan. We accept out-of-state
certificates, so if you have experience, you can enter the classroom without jumping through bureaucratic hoops. As a result, enrollment rates in Michigan's teacher prep programs are beating other states. If you want to teach, we want you here.
Source: 2024 State of the State Address to the Michigan legislature
Jan 24, 2024
Elissa Slotkin:
Forgiving student loans ok, if done by Congress
Student Financial Aid: Support lowering interest on student loans and/or forgiving them?- Mike Rogers (R): Mostly no.
Opposes "blanket forgiveness" on student loans. Borrowers should be able to "get a little bit off on my student loan" by enlisting in the military, becoming a doctor or nurse, or joining service programs.
- Elissa Slotkin (D): Mixed. Voted to keep a student loan payment pause and forgiveness. In response to Biden's debt forgiveness order, said
Congress, not the White House, should decide how to help students.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2024
Mike Rogers:
No blanket forgiveness on student loans
Student Financial Aid: Support lowering interest on student loans and/or forgiving them?- Mike Rogers (R): Mostly no.
Opposes "blanket forgiveness" on student loans. Borrowers should be able to "get a little bit off on my student loan" by enlisting in the military, becoming a doctor or nurse, or joining service programs.
- Elissa Slotkin (D): Mixed. Voted to keep a student loan payment pause and forgiveness. In response to Biden's debt forgiveness order, said
Congress, not the White House, should decide how to help students.
Source: Guides.vote candidate survey on 2024 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2024
Thomas Barrett:
Tax credits for donations for private school scholarships
Summary by Mackinac Center (10/14/21): To authorize a K-12 "student opportunity scholarship program" that would allow individuals and businesses to get a tax credit for contributing to a nonprofit "scholarship organization" that would
provide grants to lower income families to pay tuition at a non-public school, or pay for other education expenses, services and supplies.Veto message by Governor Gretchen Whitmer (11/5/21): This legislation would require
Michigan taxpayers to foot the bill for any money a person gives to certain private education organizations, costing as much as $500 million in 2022 alone. Simply put, our schools cannot provide the high-quality education our kids deserve if we turn
private schools into tax shelters for the wealthy.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 20-16-0 on Oct/19/21; State Sen. Thomas Barrett voted YES; passed House 55-49-5 on Oct/27/21; vetoed by Gov. Whitmer on Nov/5/21.
Source: Michigan State Legislature voting records SB687
Oct 27, 2021
Aric Nesbitt:
Ensure parents choose where they send their kid to school
Strengthen school choice. Parents, not politicians, are the only people qualified to determine the best educational fit for their children. Whether it's a public, private, charter, online, or home school environment, no state law should
stand in the way. I will also ensure Michigan's students benefit from the new federal school choice law, ensuring every parent has the choice of where they send their kid to school. Competition ensures success.
Source: 2026 Michigan campaign website NesbittForGovernor.com
Dec 25, 2025
Garlin Gilchrist:
We care very deeply about investing in public schools
We know that when families are fighting poverty, we need to invest more money into public education in their neighborhoods. We've worked to do that and equalize that funding in the last two years. Now, we're laying a good level playing field for kids to
be their best. I care about that as a parent of three kids that are in public schools. I'm a public-school kid. The governor is a public-school kid. Her daughters went to public school, and we care very deeply about investing in the right way.
Source: Flint Courier News on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Dec 21, 2023
Gretchen Whitmer:
Call for legislation to limit cell phone use in classrooms
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expected to call for bipartisan legislation to limit cell phone use in Michigan classrooms during her State of the State address. The policy push is intended to combat the
detrimental effects smartphones and social media may have on teen's mental health and educational outcomes, according to Whitmer's office.
Source: Chalkbeat Detroit on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Feb 24, 2025
Jocelyn Benson:
Invest wisely with an eye towards what's best for schools
Funding priorities would include infrastructure in school buildings and investing in dual enrollment and Career and Technical Education programs. Benson said she would conduct a full audit of "outdated" school financing systems and make transparency
a key focus "so that we can know where the money is going and ensure that we all, as a community, have confidence those funds are being invested strategically, wisely, with an eye towards what's best for our schools, our educators and our kids."
Source: Michigan Advance, "Decouple," on 2026 Michigan Governor race
Jun 26, 2025
Mike Cox:
Offer families universal education freedom
Support School Choice: As your Governor, I'll unleash education freedom so parents can find the best fit for their kids, support talented educators and hold the education bureaucracy accountable for results, and ensure students
struggling in reading or math get the support they need. Nine out of ten of the fastest growing states offer families universal education freedom, and it's time to let every child rise in Michigan.
Source: 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial campaign website MikeCox2026.com
Dec 23, 2025
Mike Duggan:
State should invest $4.5B over 5 years to rebuild education
Duggan, a Democrat for almost all his career, wants the state to invest $4.5 billion more over five years to "rebuild education," an about 4% increase in annual spending. He said he would improve early literacy by using student tutoring,
summer reading and small group learning, which is not dissimilar from current efforts.
Source: Bridge Michigan, "Fix," on 2026 Michigan Gubernatorial race
Jul 22, 2025
Tom Leonard:
Expand school choice; ensure education transparency
- Protect and expand school choice. Allow parents to choose the education option that's best for their child. This includes protecting your child's right to home school.
- Ensure education transparency.
All curriculum, staff training, and school expenditures should be posted online for parents to easily review..
- Publish the names, job titles, and salaries of every state employee online.
Source: 2026 Michigan Governor campaign website TomForMichigan.com
Dec 21, 2025
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026