How do the candidates’ viewpoints in the races for Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State align with SBAM’s priority policy issues? We asked them!
Here are the replies from each candidate, in their own words. Please note, SBAM’s Small Biz PAC has not endorsed in these races. To view the full list of Small Biz PAC endorsements, click here.
SBAM asked 9 questions regarding small business issues that are highly likely to be in front of the next governor. The questions were asked in a way that “yes” was the preferred pro-small business answer. You can view the scores and answers below.
Why are you the best candidate for small business? Tudor Dixon shares in this video for SBAM members.
Why are you the best candidate for small business? Governor Whitmer shares in this video for SBAM members.
| SBAM Policy Positions | SBAM Policy Related Questions | Dixon | Whitmer |
| There should be no new associated costs or rate increases for small businesses related to unemployment insurance changes or usage due to mandated government closures. | Do you support the state fully replacing the funds depleted from the unemployment insurance trust fund due to actions taken or required by state government during the pandemic, without assessing any new costs to employers? | Yes | Did Not Answer Yes or No |
| The government should not set or limit prices businesses can charge. | Will you oppose rules or laws that set or limit the prices that a business could charge for its goods or services? | Yes | Yes |
| The government should not set or control the benefits and wages agreed to between businesses and their employees. | Will you oppose rules or laws that set or control the wages or benefits between employers and their employees? | Yes | No |
| Michigan should strive to be ranked a top 10 state when compared to other states (according to the Tax Foundation Rankings) so that small businesses can compete effectively in the national and global marketplaces. | Would you favor establishing a goal and benchmark to get and keep Michigan in the top 10? | Yes | Yes |
| Continue to support the Pure Michigan tourism and business development campaign | Would you commit to funding the Pure Michigan tourism and business development campaign at least at current levels? | Did Not Answer Yes or No | Yes |
| Our education system must prepare students for the workplace, focusing on skills needed to compete in today’s economy while also providing quality, well-rounded education. | Would you support an accountability structure for our K-12 system that is transparent and is coupled with adequate funding for economic disadvantaged, special needs, and CTE students? | Yes | Did Not Answer Yes or No |
| Support a last-dollar in tuition-free community college program that is not tied to tax increases. | Do you support making at least a 2 year associates degree or skilled trades certificate universally available to Michigan students? | Did Not Answer Yes or No | Yes |
| SBAM supports the 2018 tunnel agreement as the best solution to ensure uninterrupted and affordable energy supply under the Straits of Mackinac; we also oppose undoing properly enacted legislation through the use of legal technicalities by the executive and judicial branches. | Will you oppose any and all actions that delay or undermine the completion of a tunnel to place Line 5 into, and further, take direct action to aid in the completion of the project without any delay and without any interruption in service to the current Line 5? | Yes | Did Not Answer Yes or No |
| SBAM supports adequate infrastructure funding to maintain safe and efficient transportation infrastructure because it is necessary to maximize economic growth. The road funding plan should be sufficient to rebuild roads that are beyond repair and adhere to a maintenance schedule that maximizes the useful life of our infrastructure investments. Road funding should be paid for from user fees and/or reprioritization within the state budget, and not by taking on debt. | Do you support and will you commit to adequately funding infrastructure in a way that replaces and maintains roads without taking on more debt? | Yes | Yes |
Why would you be the best Attorney General candidate for the small business community?
“I think we have to de-politicize the office and get back to the basics. Simply put, I will put victims first and criminals in jail. I will protect our taxpayers. And I’m going to protect small businesses – the backbone of our economy – from unnecessary regulation that simply makes it tougher to operate.”
Why would you be the best Attorney General candidate for the small business community?
“Stability, predictability, and fidelity to the rule of law benefit existing businesses as well as help create an environment to start new businesses or attract others to locate to Michigan. The same applies to welcoming communities, where fairness and respect are the rule and intolerance and oppressive policies are not accepted.”
Why would you be the best Secretary of State candidate for the small business community?
“I believe government should work for everyone – Republicans, Democrats and Independents. That includes the small business community, which is not just a key job provider in Michigan but also the backbone of our economy. The steps we’ve taken to improve services provided by the Secretary of State’s Office helps everyone have a better, more efficient experience when interacting with our office – including small business owners.”
Why would you be the best Secretary of State candidate for the small business community?
“Many Michigan businesses depend on the Secretary of State to register their company vehicles. Thus, efficient SoS services are necessary for these companies to thrive. Additionally, auto dealer and auto repair facilities need an SoS who when conducting inspections function as a partner helping business owners, instead of an adversary seeking to punish them issuing outrageous fines. I reject fee increases, especially the governor’s push to increase the fee for commercial entities to pull an MVR.”