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Mike Bishop's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)

Key

Official Position: Candidate addressed this issue directly by taking the Political Courage Test.
Inferred Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, but Vote Smart inferred this issue based on the candidate's public record, including statements, voting record, and special interest group endorsements.
Unknown Position: Candidate refused to address this issue, or we could not infer an answer for this candidate despite exhaustive research of their public record.
Additional Information: Click on this icon to reveal more information about this candidate's position, from their answers or Vote Smart's research.
Other or Expanded Principles & Legislative Priorities are entered exactly as candidates submit them. Vote Smart does not edit for misspelled words, punctuation or grammar.

Mike Bishop has failed to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2018 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.

What is the Political Courage Test?

Issue Positions

For Presidential and Congressional candidates who refuse to provide voters with their positions, Vote Smart has researched their public records to determine their likely responses. These issue positions are from 2018.

  • "Mike Bishop has received multiple Right to Life endorsements and has a 100% Pro-life record." (votesmart.org)
  • "Our hard-earned tax dollars should not be allocated toward funding abortions, and a majority of Americans agree. I'm proud to join my colleagues in supporting the right to life, and will continue to do so in order to defend those who cannot defend themselves." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 0% by Planned Parenthood (votesmart.org)
  • "I supported the House budget because it balances over 10 years, without raising taxes, while placing greater emphasis on national security, which is a core function of our government." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • "I’m also working to lower business tax rates, especially on our community owned, small businesses. Today, more than half of the private sector workforce is employed in a pass through business, which means that often times, they’re paying a top rate of over 40%. This puts Michigan businesses at a steep disadvantage when they try to compete in the global marketplace against companies who pay income taxes of 25% or lower. Lowering the business rate will allow our companies to compete on the world stage, without a self-imposed tax hurdle, which will ultimately increase our labor force and wages." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • "At a time when Americans are facing economic uncertainty, the last thing our country needs is additional taxes, spending and regulation. It has been almost 10 years since the start of the Great Recession, but many families are still on the road to recovery." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • "I am pleased to report that the NATO resolution was adopted as an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes funding the largest troop pay raise in eight years and authorization for the largest military buildup in over a decade." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "As a conservative leader had a record of putting forth more than $1 billion in cuts and fought for lower taxes in Michigan. Mike Bishop received a 100% rating from the Michigan Chamber of Commerce." (votesmart.org)
  • "As a freshman member of Congress, it's startling to hear some of the president's first items of business this year include raising taxes and increasing spending." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • "Transportation funding will be critical in Michigan and all across the Midwest. As the Great Lakes State, we rely on our lakes to move products from Michigan and elsewhere. We must ensure our ports, locks and canals are properly maintained. This means funding for repairs of the Soo Locks and dredging must meet Congressionally-approved levels - so freighters can make the most of their trips transporting goods such as iron-ore, coal and grain. These efforts will yield direct benefits to Michigan's Eighth District as they lead to more manufacturing opportunities and greater access to the markets that sell our products." (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R.22 "Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act" (votesmart.org)
  • "I’m also working to lower business tax rates, especially on our community owned, small businesses. Today, more than half of the private sector workforce is employed in a pass through business, which means that often times, they’re paying a top rate of over 40%. This puts Michigan businesses at a steep disadvantage when they try to compete in the global marketplace against companies who pay income taxes of 25% or lower. Lowering the business rate will allow our companies to compete on the world stage, without a self-imposed tax hurdle, which will ultimately increase our labor force and wages." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • "While I served in the State Legislature in Lansing, I saw firsthand how much more effective education could be when decisions were made at the state level – not in Washington D.C. Local teachers and parents know how to teach kids better than the U.S. Department of Education ever could." (votesmart.org)
  • "During my time serving in the State Legislature, I saw firsthand how much more effective education could be when decisions were made at the state and local level instead of Washington D.C. Teachers and parents are best equipped to know how to teach kids and provide a quality education. I supported H.J.Res. 57 and H.J.Res. 58 to reduce the federal role in education, restore local control over teacher standards and classroom curriculum and empower parents and educators to hold schools accountable so students can get the best education possible." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • "Keystone XL will go far in growing our American energy supply until other alternative sources such as solar and wind can be further developed and made economically self-sustaining." (votesmart.org)
  • "The United States is looking at every option to achieve energy independence. To accomplish this goal, we must take the necessary steps to develop more domestic sources of energy and incentivize production of more energy-efficient technologies. This starts by getting rid of the Washington roadblocks that often stifle innovation and implementing an "all-of-the-above" energy strategy that stops the Federal government from picking winners and losers." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of S.J.Res.23 "A Joint Resolution Providing for Congressional Disapproval Under Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code, of a Rule Submitted by the Environmental Protection Agency Relating to 'Standards of Performance for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from New, Modified, and Reconstructed Stationary Sources: Electric Utility Generating Units' " (votesmart.org)
  • "I am committed to supporting an energy policy that will prioritize the environment without compromising the economy" (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • "President Obama's gun control proposal once again shows his blatant disregard for the Constitution, specifically the Second Amendment and our nation's lawmaking process. While it's clear the president is trying to cover up his failed record with a litany of unconstitutional executive actions before leaving office, this plan would not have prevented the tragic gun violence we've seen in recent years -- and it will not stop dangerous individuals and terrorists who could use illegal tactics to obtain guns in the future. Congress is focused on keeping our families and communities safe, and we will consider all necessary actions to protect every law-abiding citizen's constitutional rights." (votesmart.org)
  • "Supporting our 2nd amendment right to bear arms, Mike Bishop championed right-to-carry legislation, received A/A+ rating from NRA and is personally a gun owner with a CPL." (votesmart.org)
  • Rated 92% by National Rifle Association (votesmart.org)
  • Voted in favor of H.R.596 "Repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and Health Care-Related Provisions in the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010" (votesmart.org)
  • "Over the course of my time in Congress, I have heard from tens of thousands of constituents – on both sides of the aisle – some in favor of the status quo, but the vast majority of them acknowledge the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) growing failures. As a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over our nation's health care policy, I am committed to working with my colleagues to improve our health care system. Doing nothing means costs will only continue to rise - as we saw rates go up here in Michigan seventeen percent this year alone." (mikebishop.house.gov)
  • Voted in favor of HR 6136 Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018 – an act that " […] Appropriates $25 billion for border security funding, including the construction of a southern border wall between the United States and Mexico (Title V, Sec. 5101). [...]" (votesmart.org)
  • "Mike is opposed to any amnesty and believes that those wishing to enter this nation as citizens must follow our laws." (votesmart.org)
  • Despite exhaustive research, Vote Smart was unable to find information about this candidate's position.
  • "Open diplomatic communication between nuclear superpowers is essential for the safety and security of the world." (votesmart.org)
  • "We must invest in our servicemen and women to defeat ISIS, meet the new challenges we face from an increasingly belligerent Russian state, address instability spreading across the Middle East and North Africa, and face emerging cybersecurity threats. " (mikebishop.house.gov)
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.
The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning abortion.

X a) Abortions should always be illegal.
b) Abortions should always be legally available.
c) Abortions should be legal only within the first trimester of pregnancy.
d) Abortions should be legal when pregnancy results from incest, rape or the life of the woman is endangered.
e) Abortions should be limited by waiting periods and notification requirements as decided by each state government.
X f) Prohibit the dilation and extraction procedure, also known as "partial-birth" abortion.
g) Support "buffer zones" at abortion clinics by requiring demonstrators to remain a certain distance from doorways and driveways.
X h) Prohibit public funding for abortions and organizations that advocate or perform abortions.
i) Other

State Budget: Indicate the funding levels you will support for the following general categories.State Taxes: Indicate the tax levels you will support.

Slightly Decrease Funding a) Corrections
Maintain Funding Status b) Education (Higher)
Maintain Funding Status c) Education (K-12)
Maintain Funding Status d) Environment
Maintain Funding Status e) Health care
Maintain Funding Status f) Law enforcement
Maintain Funding Status g) Transportation and Highway infrastructure
Slightly Decrease Funding h) Welfare
i) Other
Eliminate a) Alcohol taxes
Eliminate b) Capital gains taxes
Eliminate c) Cigarette taxes
Eliminate d) Corporate taxes
Eliminate e) Gasoline taxes
Eliminate f) Income taxes (incomes below $75,000)
Eliminate g) Income taxes (incomes above $75,000)
Eliminate h) Inheritance taxes
Eliminate i) Property taxes
Eliminate j) Sales taxes
Eliminate k) Vehicle taxes
l) Other
No m) Should Internet sales be taxed?
Yes n) Do you support a flat tax structure for state income taxes?
Yes o) Would you support returning any operating surplus to Michigan taxpayers?
Undecided p) Would you support placing any operating surplus into a "rainy day" fund?
Undecided q) Do you support implementing a state earned income tax credit?
r) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) to address crime.

a) Increase state funds for construction of state prisons and for hiring of additional prison staff.
X b) Support contracting with private sector firms to build and/or manage state prisons.
X c) End parole for repeat violent offenders.
X d) Implement the death penalty in Michigan.
X e) Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
X f) Inform communities when a convicted sex offender moves into the community.
X g) Support programs to provide prison inmates with vocational and job-related skills and job-placement assistance when released.
h) Decriminalize the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
i) Strengthen penalties and sentences for drug-related crimes.
j) Lower the blood alcohol content limit defining drunk driving.
k) Prosecute as adults, youths accused of a felony.
l) Increase penalties for crimes committed on school grounds.
m) Require that crimes based on gender, sexual orientation, or disability be prosecuted as hate crimes.
X n) Support programs that provide job training and placement services for at-risk youth.
o) Ban the use of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.
p) Extend the amount of time allowed to issue criminal charges when DNA evidence is involved.
q) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding education.

a) Increase state funds for professional development of public school teachers and administrators.
X b) Encourage private or corporate investment in public school programs.
X c) Support charter schools where teachers and professionals receive authorization and funding to establish new schools.
d) Increase state funds for school capital improvements (e.g. buildings and infrastructure).
e) Increase state funds for hiring additional teachers.
X f) Endorse teacher-led voluntary prayer in public schools.
X g) Support posting the Ten Commandments in public schools.
h) Require public schools to administer high school exit exams.
i) Support national standards and testing of public school students.
X j) Support teacher testing and reward teachers with merit pay.
k) Provide state funding to increase teacher salaries.
l) Eliminate the cap on the number of charter schools allowed by the state.
m) Support transferring oversight of troubled school districts to the state.
n) Provide state funded tuition vouchers to allow parents to transfer their children from public schools with low graduation rates to any non-public school.
o) Reduce the state per-student allowance to offset voucher funding.
p) Other

Employment: Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning employment.Affirmative Action: Which of the following state agencies should take race and sex into account when making employment decisions?

X a) Provide low interest loans and tax credits for starting, expanding, or relocating businesses.
X b) Reduce state government regulations on the private sector to encourage investment and economic expansion.
c) Support limits on cash damages in lawsuits against businesses and professionals for product liability or malpractice.
d) Increase funding for state job-training programs that re-train displaced workers or teach skills needed in today's job market.
e) Other
No a) College and university admissions
No b) Public employment
No c) State contracting
d) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding the environment and energy.

X a) Encourage further development and use of alternative fuels to reduce pollution.
X b) Support "self-audit" legislation which creates incentives for industries to audit themselves and clean up pollution.
X c) Require a cost/benefit analysis to determine the economic impact of proposed environmental regulations before they are implemented.
X d) Require states to fully compensate citizens when environmental regulations limit uses on privately owned land.
X e) Support funding for recycling programs in Michigan.
f) Request added flexibility from the federal government in enforcing and funding federal environmental regulations.
X g) Suspend participation in un-funded, federally-mandated environmental protection legislation.
h) Replace local water commissions with a state Regional Water and Sewer Authority.
i) Increase state funding for road construction and maintenance.
j) Require that ballast water brought into Michigan waterways be sterilized.
k) Other
Undecided l) Should state environmental regulations be stricter than federal law?
No m) Should the Michigan state government have authority over the sale and transfer of water from the Great Lakes?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding government reform.c) Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to state legislative candidates?

Yes a) Do you support the limit on terms for Michigan Governors?
Yes b) Do you support the limit on terms for Michigan State Senators and Representatives?
Yes a) Individual
Yes b) PAC
Yes c) Corporate
Yes d) Political Parties
Yes d) Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
No e) Do you support imposing spending limits on state level political campaigns?
No f) Do you support partial funding from state taxes for state level political campaigns?
Yes g) Do you support voting on-line?
Yes h) Do you support on-line voter registration?
No i) Do you support requiring a two-thirds vote in the Michigan Legislature to enact legislation that would overrule local ordinances?
Yes j) Should Michigan Supreme Court justices be appointed instead of elected?
k) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

a) Ban the sale or transfer of semi-automatic guns, except those used for hunting.
b) Maintain and strengthen the enforcement of existing state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
X c) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
d) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns.
e) Allow citizens to carry concealed guns.
f) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks on guns.
g) Require background checks of gun buyers at gun shows.
h) Require a license for gun possession.
X i) Hold gun owners, who do not properly store their guns, criminally and civilly liable for crimes committed by minors using their guns.
j) Prohibit the carrying of guns on school grounds.
k) Other
Yes l) Should Michigan cities and counties be prohibited from suing gun manufacturers and dealers for damages?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding health issues.

X a) Provide tax incentives to small businesses that provide health care to their employees.
b) Ensure that citizens have access to basic health care through managed care, insurance reforms, or state funded care where necessary.
X c) Transfer more existing Medicaid recipients into managed care programs.
d) Use state funds to continue some Medicaid coverage for legal immigrants.
e) Limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in medical malpractice lawsuits.
X f) Support a patient's right to sue his or her HMO.
X g) Support a patient's right to appeal to an administrative board of specialists when services are denied.
X h) Guaranteed medical care to all citizens is not a responsibility of state government.
X i) Allow health care providers and health care facilities to refuse services to which they morally object.
j) Other

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding social issues.

X a) Provide tax credits for businesses that provide child care for their employees.
b) Increase state funds to provide child care for children in low-income working families.
c) Deny or suspend state-issued permits and licenses to parents who are delinquent in paying court-ordered child support.
d) Increase state funding for Head Start in order to serve additional children and/or increase services from a half to a full day.
e) Increase state funding for community centers and other social agencies in areas with at-risk youth.
f) Support state funding of programs for at-risk youth such as guaranteed college loans, and job training and placement.
g) Allow parents to leave unwanted newborn infants at hospitals, police stations, or fire departments without facing criminal charges.
h) Other
No i) Should physician-assisted suicide be legally available in Michigan?
No j) Should Michigan include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws?
No k) Should Michigan recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?
Yes l) Should Michigan restrict marriage to a relationship only between a man and a woman?

Indicate which principles you support (if any) regarding welfare.

X a) Maintain current time limits on welfare benefits.
X b) Maintain the requirement that able-bodied recipients work in order to receive benefits.
c) Increase employment and job training programs for welfare recipients.
X d) Provide tax incentives to businesses that hire welfare recipients.
e) Provide child care for welfare recipients who work.
X f) Increase access to public transportation for welfare recipients who work.
g) Allow welfare recipients to remain eligible for benefits while saving money for education, starting a business, or buying a home.
X h) Limit benefits given to recipients if they have additional children while on welfare.
i) Eliminate government-funded welfare programs.
j) Redirect welfare funding to faith-based and community-based private organizations.
k) Use federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) funds to expand state services to include the working poor.
l) Other
If I had to summarize my two highest legislative priorities, it would be as follows: 1. Make government smaller and less intrusive on the lives of citizens. 2. Make government accountable to the people it represents and restore dignity to the job of public service.

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