Rick Snyder on Abortion
Summary
Campaign Website Statements
Press - Economic recovery critical to state's social fabric
By Rick Snyder
Rick Snyder, former Gateway president, speaks with the media out in front of the Van Andel Museum as he announces his candidacy for Michigan governor in July.As someone who is pro-life and pro-family, I strongly believe in the rights of the unborn. I also believe that being an advocate for life involves more than just the issue of abortion. Those who are pro-life must be concerned about the social and economic conditions that create a culture of life in which life is valued at every stage. Those who seek political office must be vigilant in working to strengthen the social fabric of our society. As a candidate for governor, I am committed to doing everything in my power to address these broad issues.
A failing economy weakens our social foundations and leads to increased rates of divorce, abortion, abuse, drop-outs, alcoholism and an overall sense of hopelessness. The cost of these social ills is significant to our economy and to the overall well-being of Michigan.
While legally banning abortions is currently primarily a federal issue and there is little consensus, the next governor of Michigan can do a lot to significantly lower the rate of abortions and strengthen families by focusing primarily on the economy.
We know from various studies that the poverty rate and socioeconomic factors are strongly linked to the abortion rate. A weak economy tears at the social fabric of our state. The best way for the next governor to address most of these problems is to focus on providing the best economic climate in Michigan that will create jobs and lower the poverty rate.
Families that have financial stability avoid many of the family problems caused from struggling to make ends meet. We need to focus on reducing the tax burden, growing small businesses and reforming government so that it provides value for tax dollars so that citizens and businesses can create more job opportunities.
Economic development focus
After Snyder returned to Michigan, he became active in economic development issues. Former Gov. John Engler appointed him as chairman of the Michigan Economic Development Corp. from 1999 to 2001.
In 2005, he brought together a coalition of business leaders, university executives and political officials to form Ann Arbor SPARK, a nonprofit organization devoted to boosting the Ann Arbor region’s economy. Snyder said he believes SPARK’s model can be extended to the rest of the state.
“Most of the things we’re doing I think have potential to be duplicated in other areas and, in fact, create collaboration,” SPARK CEO Michael Finney said, emphasizing SPARK does not make political endorsements.
Snyder also wants to eliminate most of the state’s tax incentives, arguing the state should focus on creating a better environment for businesses. He wants to ax the controversial Michigan Business Tax and replace it with a flat 6 percent corporate income tax.
“The Michigan Business Tax is a job killer,” he said. “It’s fundamentally unfair.”
Snyder has faced skepticism among social conservatives who question his views on issues like abortion. He said he believes abortion should be illegal except in cases of rape, incest or when the mother’s life is in danger.
Still, he has repeatedly said sparking Michigan’s economic revitalization is what interests him most. That’s why he got into the campaign in the first place, and he showed early he is not afraid to spend his own money.