Gary Peters in State of Michigan Archives
On Drugs:
When marijuana legalized, should be regulated and taxed
Q: Decriminalize or legalize?Gary Peters: Yes. Says "when it is legalized, it is regulated and it is taxed and it helps with paying for public services like public education."
John James: No. Said would vote no on 2018 state proposal to legalize recreational marijuana but would "respect the will of the voters."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Immigration:
DACA has provided relief to thousands of young people
Q: Opinion on DACA?Gary Peters: "The DACA program has helped provide relief to thousands of hardworking young people." Opposed redirecting funds from already allocated programs to pay for a border wall. Cites difficulties farmers face in getting work
visas for seasonal workers.
John James: "We're putting DREAMers in a terrible position," but has not expressed support for DACA. "There are some areas where a wall or fence may be the best solution, but I would leave that to Homeland Security."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
On Budget & Economy:
COVID: Get resources, support to help people get through
Q: Your COVID policy?Peters: I worked to secure unemployment assistance in the CARES Act for Michigan workers who had been furloughed or unemployed as a result of this crisis. I'm continuing to fight to get additional relief for
the many families still hurting even as parts of our economy reopen. I'll be pressing to ensure those who remain furloughed or unemployed because of this pandemic have the resources and support that they need to get through this.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2020
On Health Care:
Against voucher system & raising Medicare eligibility age
Peters: I have consistently opposed efforts to cut Medicare or put benefits at risk, including proposals to create a voucher system or raise the eligibility age. During my first term in Congress, I helped pass Medicaid expansion as part of the ACA, and
I have fought to defend it ever since. With over 750,000 individuals relying on Michigan's Medicaid expansion plan, it is an essential program for many Michiganders, particularly children, seniors and people with disabilities.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2020
On Health Care:
Prevent companies from keeping generic drugs off the market
Q: Your Medicare policy?Peters: I've advanced legislation that would lower the cost of drugs by allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. This would increase transparency, keep drug companies accountable and lower drug prices. I introduced a bill
that would require manufacturers to pay rebates to Medicare when prices for Part B drugs rise higher than inflation. I support legislation to prevent brand-name drug companies from keeping generic drugs off of the market by creating a monopoly.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2020
On Health Care:
COVID: $20 billion to states, nursing homes, care facilities
Q: Your COVID policy?A: As ranking member on the Homeland Security & Government Affairs Committee, I introduced a bill to provide $20 billion to help states, nursing homes and intermediate care facilities contain the spread of the coronavirus. I also
released a report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on residents and workers in nursing homes. I will do all I can to protect our seniors and those who work tirelessly to keep them safe, both now & when we make it through these challenging times.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2020
On Social Security:
Oppose raising retirement age & privatizing Social Security
Although I support taking bipartisan action to ensure solvency for future generations, we must do so in a way that does not put Social Security benefits in jeopardy. That is why I oppose proposals such as raising the retirement age, privatizing
Social Security or using the chained consumer price index for determining benefit rates. I also support addressing provisions in current law that have led to very little or no cost-of-living adjustments for recipients in recent years.
Source: AARP Survey on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 9, 2020
On Gun Control:
Endorsed by Everytown for Gun Safety for gun-sense majority
Everytown for Gun Safety threw its support behind 11 Democratic Senate candidates including incumbent Democratic Sen. Gary Peters (MI). "Everytown is going all-in to flip the Senate and elect leaders who will treat America's gun violence epidemic
like the crisis it is," the Everytown President said. The group has targeted a number of key races in the House and Senate, emphasizing the need to protect what it calls a "gun sense majority," which is mostly comprised of Democratic candidates.
Source: The Hill e-zine on 2020 Michigan Senate endorsements
Jun 9, 2020
On Homeland Security:
AdWatch: endorsed by VoteVets for military service
A liberal group announced it was going on air to promote the incumbent Democrat. VoteVets Action Fund said in a press release that it would be spending $750,000 on ads touting Peters' "career of service in the military and public office, and the results
he delivered." The ads seem designed to counter Peters' Republican opponent, Iraq War veteran John James of Farmington Hills.VoteVets described itself as the "largest progressive group of veterans in America."
A 2016 report from the Center for Public Integrity described the group as a "liberal 'dark money' nonprofit."
The new ads will start airing Thursday in multiple TV markets, including
Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids, according to a press release.[Ad text: "Call Gary Peters. Thank him for sponsoring the Securing America's Ports of Entry Act"]
Source: Detroit News AdWatch on 2020 Michigan Senate endorsements
Nov 7, 2019
On Environment:
Push for Great Lakes restoration efforts & oil cleanups
But in taking on Gary Peters, John James is taking on someone who can point to specific actions taken to address potential oil spills in the Straits of Mackinac, question spending by the Trump White House and government agencies, and push for
Great Lakes restoration efforts. Peters can also note legislative victories on bills he has helped pass with Republicans--including those protecting rights of service members.
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 25, 2019
On Homeland Security:
Less-than-honorable discharged veterans can regain benefits
Peters notes legislative victories on bills he has helped pass with Republicans--including those protecting rights of service members. Peters helped pass a provision that helps service members given a less-than-honorable discharge because
of negative behavior file petitions that could help them change their status and potentially regain benefits if they can show their behavior was because of issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Source: Detroit Free Press on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 25, 2019
On Homeland Security:
Protect religious non-profits against terrorism
Two senators have introduced bipartisan legislation to give funds to synagogues and other religious and cultural institutions to help provide additional security against potential terrorist attacks. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan)
introduced Protecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From Terrorism Act, or S. 1539, to authorize $75 million annually for fiscal years 2020-2024, for the Department of Homeland Security's Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
Source: The Times of Israel on 2020 Michigan Senate race
May 19, 2019
On Crime:
Co-wrote bill for data-driven cooperation to fight crime
The House passed a bill introduced by Senators Gary Peters (D-MI) and John Cornyn (R-TX), the Project Safe Neighborhoods Grant Program Authorization Act of 2018, which would authorize a nationwide law enforcement program focused on the reduction of
violent crime. The bill passed the Senate unanimously. "Communities across Michigan have been shattered by gun violence and drug crimes, and we need proven, data-backed strategies to combat these and other violent offenses," said Senator Peters.
Said Senator Cornyn, "The Project Safe Neighborhoods program helps law enforcement at all levels across the country to investigate and prosecute the most dangerous and repeat offenders."
Project Safe Neighborhoods is a nationwide partnership between federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutors that uses evidence-based and data-driven approaches to reduce violent crime.
Source: 2020 Michigan Senate campaign website peters.senate.gov
Jun 7, 2018
On Crime:
Leads fight for commission on criminal justice system
A senator advocating for a congressional commission to conduct a national study of the criminal justice system says he is "cautiously optimistic" that Congress will approve the measure this year. Peters, who is leading the fight for the bill with
John Cornyn (R-TX) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC), is concerned that the more incidents that occur involving failures by criminal justice officials, "the more people lose trust in the system."
Source: TheCrimeReport.org on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Apr 25, 2018
On Social Security:
One of the most successful programs in our history
More than 1.7 million mothers and fathers, family members and friends across Michigan rely on Medicare--including Gary's own mother. He knows first-hand how crucial the health care Medicare provides is to our seniors.That's why, every time the
Republican House Majority attempted to cut Medicare and end the guaranteed benefit for our seniors, Gary fought back. Gary will not back down and force Michigan seniors to pay thousands more for their health care.
Social Security is one of the most
successful programs in our history and has helped thousands of Michigan seniors stay out of poverty in their retirement and live with dignity. Gary has stood firmly against those who want to end the Social Security guarantee and privatize the program.
Medicare and Social Security are vital to long-term economic security and represent a sacred promise. Gary will fight for Michigan seniors and middle class families to strengthen and secure these vital programs for future generations.
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 23, 2014
On Tax Reform:
Middle class bears burden of unfair tax code
Solid budgeting is more than just having smart spending priorities--we also need to make sure that middle class families are not bearing the burden of an unfair tax code that lets some well connected corporations and oil companies exploit loopholes
and write-offs.Gary supports legislation to institute the "Buffett Rule," which would require millionaires and billionaires to pay at least the same tax rate as middle class families.
Huge multinational corporations with expensive lobbyists shouldn't be able to game the system. That's why Gary cosponsored the Stop Tax Haven Abuse
Act: a bill to make sure corporations can't exploit unfair loopholes to avoid paying their taxes. Gary knows we need a responsible approach to cutting wasteful spending,
Source: Vote-USA.org on 2020 Michigan Senate race
Oct 23, 2014
On Energy & Oil:
AdWatch: Yes, I own petcoke stock, but I can still speak out
The Terri Lynn Land for Senate campaign launched the web ad, "Sides", which exposes Gary Peters' record of playing both sides on the issue of petcoke (Petroleum coke). A transcript: VOICEOVER: Whose side is Congressman Gary Peters on?
Peters says "yes" to petcoke, and has a $20,000 investment in a company that produces petcoke.
Peters says "no" to petcoke, and his campaign is receiving $2.5 million in help from billionaire environmentalist, Tom Steyer.
Steyer wants to block American energy projects like Keystone Pipeline, and is spending millions to attack Terri Lynn Land on--you guessed it--petcoke. Peters wants to make money with a petcoke producer, and take money from a petcoke opponent.
Now, he claims it's no big deal:
PETERS: "Even though I own a little bit of stock in a company, that doesn't stop me from speaking out."
VOICEOVER: For Congressman Peters $20,000 is a little bit of stock--and more than a little hypocrisy.
Source: PacWatch: Land press release for 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 2, 2014
On Energy & Oil:
Proudly voted to invest in renewable energy sources
Gary Peters is running on an aggressive climate change agenda. The climate policies he has embraced align with those championed by billionaire Tom Steyer, who has pledged to support Gary Peters' campaign.Steyer, a former hedge fund manager turned
green evangelist, says he plans to raise up to $100 million during the midterm elections for candidates who stand strong on climate change. Steyer's NextGen Climate Action is pouring $2.6 million to support Gary Peters.
Studies show that cap and trade
would have killed Michigan jobs. In supporting cap and trade, Peters "proudly" stands by what would have been the biggest tax in American history: his congressional website says he "proudly voted for" the Waxman-Markey bill, more commonly referred to as
cap and trade legislation. "In 2009, I proudly voted for the American Clean Energy and Security Act to invest in renewable energy sources, reduce America's greenhouse gas emissions and lay the groundwork for a clean energy economy."
Source: PacWatch: Land press release for 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 2, 2014
On Energy & Oil:
Cap and trade is an option we need to look at
Peters has dodged questions about cap-and-trade [sidestepping the specific policy debate but citing a larger discussion about the need to address climate change]:HOST [of a radio call-in show in August]: "Congressman, are you a cap and trade fan?"
PETERS: "I think cap and trade is an option we need to look at. It has been successful in other areas. We saw that in acid rain, when we had to mitigate acid rain, a cap and trade program actually reduced acid rain emissions while doing it in a very cost
effective way. You've seen some programs similar to that in New England now, actually when it comes to carbon emissions, that have reduced carbon emissions while the New England economy is doing very well. So it's certainly something on the table
that we have to take a look at as we reduce carbon emissions. But there is not a specific proposal before us right now to comment, but I think it's important to make sure we are looking at all of the market based solutions."
Source: PacWatch: Land press release for 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 2, 2014
On Foreign Policy:
Be actively engaged in the Middle East
Creating peace and security in the Middle East must be one of our nation's top foreign policy objectives. To accomplish this, the U.S. must be a strong ally and supporter of Israel. Our nation must be actively engaged in the region, more so than we have
been in the last eight years, and I will work to ensure that happens.- Responsibly Ending the War in Iraq: I support the President's plan to responsibly withdraw our troops and turn over the task of securing Iraq to the Iraqis.
- Peace and
Security for Israel and the Middle East: I believe Israel's security is enhanced by a strong U.S. engagement in the region and that a secure Israel, with recognized and defensible borders, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict is in the long-term
interest of all parties.
- I am a strong supporter of sanctions against Iran, and I have cosponsored legislation such as the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act and the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act.
Source: 2014 Michigan Senate campaign website, peters.house.gov
Sep 1, 2014
On Energy & Oil:
FactCheck: Mich. gets back more in gas tax than it collects
An ad from the Land campaign says, "Every Michigan driver knows our roads are a mess. On Congressman Gary Peters' watch, Michigan gas taxes are siphoned off by Washington instead of staying here and being spent on Michigan's crumbling roads."That sure
makes it seem like Michigan is getting back less in highway funding than its residents pay in gasoline taxes. But in 2012, Michigan received $1.03 in highway funding for every $1 in federal highway gasoline taxes collected in the state. Michigan's return
on investment was even better in 2010, when the state received $1.30 in highway funding for every $1 it collected; and $1.20 for every $1 in 2011.
There is a caveat, however. The federal dollars "cannot be used for routine maintenance such as filling
potholes or removing snow." Land's ad specifically shows images of potholes, and it's true that the state cannot spend federal money to fix them. Every state tacks on its own gasoline tax, which can be used on routine maintenance.
Source: FactCheck.org PacWatch on 2014 Michigan Senate debate
Aug 29, 2014
On Corporations:
I supported auto bailout; my opponent opposed it
Senate candidate Gary Peters plans to put Republican Terri Lynn Land on the defensive for opposing the federal bailout of General Motors and Chrysler. Peters and other Democrats will call attention to Land's 2012 statement supporting presidential
candidate Mitt Romney's opposition to the rescue. Democrats provided a video of her statements to The Associated Press ahead of scheduled news conferences.Romney's anti-bailout stance haunted him in Michigan.
Democrats hope Land pays a similar price in a race to replace Sen. Carl Levin. When asked about Romney's position, Land said at the Republican National Convention that she was "with" Romney and said Ford survived without the bailout.
Land's campaign says something had to be done to address the auto crisis, but she wasn't convinced on the plan proposed.
Source: Port Huron Times Herald on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Mar 3, 2014
On Jobs:
Extend jobless benefit for long-term unemployed
The top candidates vying to become Michigan's next US senator agreed that jobless benefits should be renewed for 1.3 million long-term unemployed, including 43,000 state residents affected when the program expired late last month. For weeks,
Democratic US Rep. Gary Peters had already been calling for an extension of benefits that expired Dec. 28.
Then before White House-backed legislation to restore the benefits unexpectedly cleared a hurdle in the Senate on Tuesday, Republican Terri Lynn
Land said she supports the bill. Her stance puts her at odds with Republicans in Congress and conservative organizations that say an extension is ineffective and wasteful.
The unemployment bill would restore benefits averaging $256 weekly to an
estimated 1.3 million long-term jobless, including 86,000 in Michigan. Peters said on his Facebook page Tuesday that "extending unemployment insurance is an investment with a proven economic return, and it is the right thing to do for Michigan families."
Source: Mining Gazette on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Jan 7, 2014
On Government Reform:
Nuclear option: Allow confirmation of Obama's appointees
[Peters spoke] at an event held by the Progressive Democratic Women's Caucus of Muskegon. Peters said he supported the senate's Democratic-led rule change to weaken the power of the filibuster [which has blocked all Obama nominees]. "I support the
changes in the rules," he said. "I support the old filibuster." He explained that he thinks the old rules have been abused. "Nominees have been stopped simply for politics. I think it's a big reason the American public are frustrated with Congress."
Source: Muskegon Chronicle on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Nov 23, 2013
On Health Care:
AdWatch: Targeted by RNC robocalls for support of ObamaCare
Rep. Gary Peters is among 11 Democrats targeted by the Republican National Committee for their support of ObamaCare. The RNC is using robocalls and posting on Facebook to urge people to call their representatives and ask "why they supported
President Obama's lie that people could keep their healthcare plans under ObamaCare."The targets besides Peters are Rep. Bruce Braley (IA), Sens. Mark Warner (VA), Mark Begich (AK), Dick Durbin (IL), Kay Hagan (NC), Mary Landrieu (LA), Jeff
Merkley (OR), Mark Pryor (AR), Jeanne Shaheen (NH), and Mark Udall (CO). The robocall script reads:
"President Obama and the Democrats said you could keep your healthcare plan under ObamaCare. Now we know [SENATOR] actually VOTED to make it more
difficult. Call [SENATOR] at (XXX)-XXX-XXX & ask why [he/she] lied."
The robocalls are a response to Democrats launching the "GOP Shutdown Watch" campaign, highlighting Republican senate candidates who supported the partial federal government shutdown.
Source: MI Daily Tribune AdWatch: 2014 Michigan Senate debate
Nov 5, 2013
On War & Peace:
Undecided on military intervention in Syria
Terri Lynn Land sent a fundraising email telling conservatives to "stand up to the president" on Syria--an unusually partisan solicitation on an issue of national security that has divided the right. "The president has failed to show how this internal
conflict in Syria affects our national security, and his proposed military strategy has proved ineffective in the past," she writes.The email asks supporters to sign a petition urging her undecided Democratic rival, Rep. Gary Peters, to join her
and vote "no."
Peters has kept his options open as he studies the issue. "As a former naval officer, I take the decision to use military force very seriously," he
said in an earlier statement. "In the days ahead, I will review classified intelligence, speak with experts, and listen to the people I represent in Michigan before making a decision and casting my vote."
Source: AdWatch: Politico.com on 2014 Michigan Senate race
Sep 5, 2013
On Drugs:
Implement voter legalization of medical marijuana
Gary Peters and his opponent, Rocky Raczkowski, are like two bad sports talk radio partners: they simply disagree on everything. (Except immigration, a hot button issue in which pandering to either side can seriously jeopardize your campaign.) The two
candidates have become cartoon caricatures of their respective parties. Peters gets painted as a flaming liberal who kowtows to the "socialist" liberal agenda and Raczkowski is deemed a tin-foil hat wearing ultra right-wing lunatic. Case in point: this
Freep summation of their positions on the only other 3 issues in this election:
- Health care reform
Peters: Supported
Raczkowski: Wants to repeal - Gays in the military
Peters: Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy
Raczkowski:
Keep the policy - Federal enforcement of medical marijuana laws
Peters: Wants Michigan voters' legalization of medical marijuana implemented without federal interference
Raczkowski: Wants no further expansion of medical marijuana law
Source: Michigan Lawyers Weekly on 2014 Idaho Senate race
Sep 10, 2010
Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021