Gretchen Whitmer on Government Reform

Would be nice to have national strategy working with states

WHITMER: In some cases, yes, we will get tests into our health care providers, and we're dependent on them to let us know that that's happened. That's not a great way to run this system. It would be nice if we had a national strategy that was working with the states, so every state knew precisely what was coming in. But we governors are doing the best we can with what we have got. We could use some assistance, though, to make sure that those supply chain issues are addressed.

Holding government accountable: Michigan Sunshine Plan

My Michigan Sunshine Plan will rewrite the rules in Lansing to work for regular families by making state government more open, transparent, and accountable to taxpayers. It's time to get it done, so we can infuse integrity in Governance and earn back public confidence.

Opposes gerrymandering; opposes voter ID

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.

Disclose political donors; reverse Citizens United

Bill Schuette (R): 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" that lets Super PACS raise and spend unlimited amounts of money in Michigan."

Promote universal voter access

No photo ID for absentee voting

Veto Summary:SB754 precludes voter registration groups from receiving and delivering registration applications until at least one member of their organization has received training. While our current Secretary of State would be very proactive on offering training, it is important to ensure that future officials provide proper training. Voting rights are precious and we need to work especially hard to make it possible for people to vote.

Legislative Outcome:Sen. Whitmer voted NAY; \passed Senate 26-11-1, Feb. 14; passed House 66-43-1, June 12; vetoed by Gov., July 3