Rick Snyder in Past and present Governor candidates from Michigan
On Immigration:
50,000 skilled worker visas to repopulate Detroit
Snyder unveiled a proposal that calls for the US government to allocate 50,000 special visas over the next five years to lure highly skilled immigrants to live and work in the bankrupt city of Detroit. Snyder's plan, which would need to be implemented by
the US government, is aimed at bringing jobs to the city while stemming an exodus of residents. Detroit's population has fallen to about 700,000 from a peak of 1.8 million in 1950. The EB-2 visas would be aimed at individuals with advanced degrees and
exceptional skills in fields like the auto industry and life sciences, Snyder said. EB-2 visas allow individuals with special talents to enter the country without a job offer. There is no precedent for special visas to be issued for a specific geographic
area, Snyder said. But he compared the program to a current one that grants visas to physicians who agree to work in under-served areas.
"Where else could you find a house for the prices you're going to find here? It's a good deal," Snyder said.
Source: Reuters on 2014 Michigan Governor's race
Jan 23, 2014
On Abortion:
Vetoed total abortion ban; signed abortion restrictions
Perhaps the most defining moment in Rick Snyder's tenure came when the Legislature voted for Right to Life's (RTL) initiative banning abortion coverage in standard health care plans, with no exceptions for rape, incest or the mother's life. Last year,
Snyder put his foot down and vetoed legislation doing just that. He's always said social issues aren't on his agenda, but he's tried to work with RTL.The governor did sign highly controversial legislation to restrict abortion that's likely to shut
down providers. But that wasn't good enough for RTL. They saw an opportunity with GOP majorities in the House and Senate. So they launched a petition drive for the abortion insurance ban, which, it should be noted, is an interesting interpretation
of free market principles. After collecting more than 300,000 signatures, the measure went before the Legislature and passed this month. It cuts the governor completely out of the process--his signature isn't required; this is now the law of the land.
Source: Michigan Live on 2014 Michigan gubernatorial race
Dec 31, 2013
On Jobs:
Quietly signed law making Michigan a right-to-work state
As thousands of union members protested outside his office building, Snyder unceremoniously signed a law one year ago making the organized labor bastion of Michigan a right-to-work state.When Snyder backed the law making workplace union membership
optional after long saying the contentious issue was not on his agenda, it reshaped his persona as an apolitical chief executive focused on fixing the state's problems. But the Republican governor's supporters say the fervor of right-to-work was
overblown by Democrats and their union allies who stand to lose the most from a prohibition of compulsory union dues.
The law went into effect on March 28, so it is too early to calculate its effect on statistics for union membership statewide and dues
collections by Michigan unions. But it has reinvigorated labor and Democratic opposition to Snyder. The Snyder administration has argued the governor is staying focused on creating an environment for more and better jobs.
Source: The Detroit News on 2014 Michigan Governor race
Dec 11, 2013
On Government Reform:
Vetoed voter identification bill
Tea party conservatives criticize the first-term governor for vetoing a voter identification bill, proposing higher fees and taxes to fix Michigan roads, and supporting an Obama administration bailout of the auto industry early in the term.
Snyder, finishing the third year of his first four-year term in the only political office he's ever held, says he's neither
RINO nor radical, but a governor who's doing what he can to turn the state's economy fully to the positive. "I'm a person that doesn't get overly focused on politics,"
Snyder said. "I don't spend time worrying about what the far right or the far left thinks. It's really a case of, 'Here's a problem, here's common sense, here's a solution.'"
Source: Macomb Daily on 2014 Michigan Governor race
Dec 10, 2013
On Local Issues:
Detroit bankruptcy is an opportunity to stabilize Detroit
Q: It had been expected, but it still came as a shock this week when the city of Detroit filed for the largest municipal bankruptcy in history, a record $19 billion. Once the city of 2 million people, Detroit's population has plummeted to 700,000.
It takes an hour for police to respond to calls. Almost half of the city's schools have closed in the last three years. What does this mean for the people of Detroit?SNYDER: This was a very difficult situation, but it's the right one.
we looked through every other viable option. We worked in good faith towards many other courses of action. And this has been 60 years in the making. Ultimately, this is an opportunity to stabilize Detroit and grow Detroit, because you have to get back
to the fundamentals--not just the debt question. But even more important than the $18 billion in debt is the accountability to the citizens of Detroit. They're not getting the services they deserve. Enough is enough and now is the time to turn it around.
Source: Face the Nation 2013 on 2014 Michigan gubernatorial race
Jul 21, 2013
On Welfare & Poverty:
No welfare benefits for people with felony warrants
New bills require the state to develop an automated system that will facilitate information sharing. Soon cross-checking the names of people receiving public assistance against a database of outstanding felony warrants in order to make sure only
those who are eligible are able to receive public assistance will be possible.It is already illegal for anyone with a felony warrant to collect welfare benefits, but the state does not currently have a good system in place.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #264222
Oct 18, 2011
On Crime:
Improve legal representation for poor
A new commission will investigate how to improve legal representation provided to low-income criminal defendants in Michigan. This is needed because the quality of legal representation provided to defendants who are unable to pay for their own
legal defense varies greatly across the state. A core principle of our criminal justice system is to guarantee that an individual charged with a crime be entitled to legal representation, even if they are unable to hire private counsel.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #264039
Oct 13, 2011
On Free Trade:
Open new doors to global markets
Michigan is a clear winner with the free-trade agreements approved by Congress. As one of North America's top producer states, Michigan will benefit greatly by opening new doors to global markets.
This is our chance to show the world what we already know: Michigan's farmers and workers are the best in the world. As more foreign consumers see what Michigan has to offer, demand for our products will continue to climb.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #264012
Oct 13, 2011
On Abortion:
Signed partial-birth abortion ban into law
Legislation banning the procedure referred to as partial-birth abortion was signed into law. Michigan people have repeatedly spoken on this issue and this legislation reaffirms the value of human life. This brings Michigan in line with federal law.
SB 160 prohibits partial-birth abortion except when necessary to protect the life of the mother. HB 4110 makes performing a partial-birth abortion or assisting in the procedure a felony. A woman who undergoes the procedure would not face criminal charges
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #263970
Oct 12, 2011
On Technology:
Take leadership role in cyber defense and development
The benefits of online technology are enormous. Unfortunately, attacks on our personal safety and economic security through the Internet continue to grow and expand. Michigan is taking a leadership role with regard to protecting the vulnerable ecosystem
in the cyber world, and in accelerating the economic development and growth of the cybersecurity industry. Our new action plan will help defend Michigan against cyber attacks allow us to look into opportunities in the growing cybersecurity industry.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #263758
Oct 7, 2011
On Crime:
Collect prisoner DNA samples to help solve cold cases
Prisoners will be required to provide DNA samples at the beginning of their sentence instead of just before being released.Senate Bill 346 requires collection of a prisoner's DNA sample within three months of incarceration, which will help police
solve cold cases sooner by giving them the ability to match samples to other unsolved crimes, identify suspects and then interrogate prisoners while they are still in custody. This will bring relief to victims of violent crimes and their families.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #259717
Jul 21, 2011
On Drugs:
Reduce supply, combating production of meth
There is new legislation stepping up the state's efforts to combat the production of illegal methamphetamine. Current efforts to prevent the sale of these legal medicines to people who use it to manufacture the illegal drug are insufficient.
This will give law enforcement the ability to better detect patterns and block sales to people who buy up large quantities of cold & allergy medicine. We will make our communities safer by preventing access to the ingredients needed to manufacture meth.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #259269
Jul 15, 2011
On Tax Reform:
Simplify the tax code; end job-killing Business Tax
These [new tax reform] bills bring greater fairness and simplicity to Michigan's tax structure while aggressively positioning the state to be economically competitive. The new laws eliminate the job-killing Michigan Business Tax, simplify the tax code,
level the playing field among taxpayers and protect low-income families. We will encourage entrepreneurship & spur investment in Michigan. The changes take Michigan from 30th to 16th in the nation in terms of lowest state and local business tax burden.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #256823
May 25, 2011
On Education:
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
On Social Security:
Maintain generous pension benefits for existing retirees
It is important to leave retirement pensions as they are for our citizens age 67 and older. Upon passage of this plan, Michigan will have the 14th best income tax--and the 8th most generous treatment of retirement income--among states with income
taxes.The new Individual Income Tax plan will provide for long-term structural stability in the budget while minimizing the impact on current senior citizens.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #254191
Apr 12, 2011
On Jobs:
Extend unemployment benefits; plan for future
About 35,000 Michigan residents will continue receiving extended unemployment benefits under new legislation.These benefits are a lifeline for many Michigan families who are struggling. Cutting them off so abruptly would have jeopardized the well-bein
of those who are trying hard to find work. Now we must renew our focus on improving Michigan's economic climate. We will continue driving forward with our job-creating reforms so that fewer people need to rely on unemployment benefits.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #253317
Mar 28, 2011
On Technology:
Census figures reinforce need for aggressive administration
The 2010 census figures clearly show how crucial it is to reinvent Michigan. Our expectations need to reflect today's realities. This is why my administration has aggressively laid out an agenda based on fiscal discipline, meaningful tax reform and
regional cooperationWe cannot successfully transition to the 'New Michigan' if young, talented workers leave our state. By the same token, Michigan will not succeed if major cities don't succeed. We all must be partners in Michigan's reinvention.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #253071
Mar 22, 2011
On Environment:
Voluntary pollution prevention program for farmers
Snyder established a voluntary pollution prevention program that helps Michigan farmers maintain their economic viability while being environmentally responsible.Our journey to the 'New Michigan' requires that government, industry and stakeholder
groups work together toward common goals. Putting this program into statute secures its place as a model for addressing environmental challenges in a way that also allows our agriculture-based businesses to expand.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #252449
Mar 8, 2011
On Crime:
Parole decisions by Dept. of Corrections, not Governor
Responsibility for parole decisions is now out of the governor's office and back to the Department of Corrections. The move is aimed at streamlining government and allowing more efficient implementation of corrections policies by the department
director. We need to let the professionals in the corrections department determine whether it's appropriate to release prisoners. This change will remove an unneeded layer of bureaucracy and save taxpayers money.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #251086
Feb 7, 2011
On Environment:
Protect natural resources; user fees contribute $3B/year
Michigan is blessed with an abundance of natural resources and we need to be a leader and innovator in protecting these resources. Recreational fishing, hunting and boating activities alone contribute more than $3 billion annually to our economy.
We are separating the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Department of Natural Resources (DNR) so we can better address these key priorities.
Source: Michigan 2011 gubernatorial press release, #248895
Jan 4, 2011
Page last updated: Aug 12, 2018