Michigan gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2018 (August 7 Republican primary)

AN AGENDA TO TAKE MICHIGAN TO THE NEXT LEVEL

Not too long ago, Michigan’s biggest problem was a lack of jobs. Seven years and more than 555,500 new jobs later, our economy has outgrown our workforce. Michigan businesses large and small say they just can’t find enough people with the right skills to fill all the jobs being created. As problems go, this is a good one to have. Yet, at the same time that we have extraordinary job growth, there are too many people without a job and living on social services. Brian will fix that.

Brian cut taxes, invested in infrastructure and reduced/streamlined regulations. As a result, we’ve seen job growth, income growth, population growth and attraction of talent. Today, talent is the new currency of economic development. The most important thing we can do to supercharge Michigan’s economy is to build the greatest talent pipeline in the nation. To do that, we must have the best education system, increase the number of people in the workforce and solve the root causes of unemployment and underemployment.

While others talk of increasing job growth, Brian has actually done it. He is the only candidate with a plan to take Michigan’s economy to the next level.

Make Michigan the best state in the nation for PreK-12 education.

Our kids deserve the best education on the planet and Brian will not rest until they have it. As Governor, Brian will:

Ensure students start school ready to learn Adopt an “all-in” approach to make sure every single student becomes a great reader by 3rd grade Establish a flexible curriculum that maintains high standards and prepares kids for life with all its demands and opportunities, not just test taking

Fill More Than 800,000 Jobs With The Marshall Plan For Talent

Michigan has seen such amazing progress that our economy has actually outgrown our workforce. We will need to fill more than 800,000 jobs in several high demand fields such as skilled trades to health care to information technology and more over the next six years.

The Marshall Plan for Talent will make learning skills for today’s marketplace a lifetime commitment, and transform the way people are connected to the opportunities of today AND tomorrow.

Fix The Roads!

Bad decisions and indecision from previous administrations and career politicians have left us with too much debt and bad roads. Thanks to some much needed financial discipline, the Snyder/Calley administration has paid off nearly half of that debt. Once fully paid, it will free up over $200 million more for rebuilding and repairing our roads.

Under this plan, we will not only pay off our debt, but also accelerate the availability of the $1.2 billion road funding package that was recently passed. Those funds will go towards rebuilding roads with higher standards so they last longer in Michigan’s unique climate. We will improve efficiency by implementing innovative technologies and engineering, and save taxpayer money by requiring entities to coordinate maintenance, repair, and replacement so that the same roads aren’t being torn up every year for different reasons.

We Must Lower The Cost Of Auto Insurance

Michigan has some of the highest auto insurance premiums in the country and it is holding our families and cities back. Past attempts of reform simply have not worked. This plan will:

Create a fraud authority and give it the strength to act as a deterrent. Find creative solutions with both insurance companies and healthcare providers to reduce costs and preserve the intended mission of the no-fault law. Increase transparency of how assessments are made on drivers and expose more areas for savings. Common-sense reforms like these will lower costs and help families and small businesses alike without sacrificing good coverage.

Helping Our Neighbors Help Themselves

With Michigan’s economy continuing to grow, we can lend a hand to every Michigander who dreams of leaving welfare and climbing up the economic ladder. With this plan, social services will connect people with good paying jobs — and give people a pathway to success and independence. Not only does this plan help families, it will grow our economy by transforming our social service programs into a springboard for employment.

For me, it isn’t enough to just help people survive — we need to help them thrive. With our growing economy, we can’t leave anyone behind.

Eradicate The Opioid Epidemic

The opioid addiction epidemic is a national emergency and it needs to be treated like one. We can’t solve this problem by only throwing people in jail. That isn’t how you treat addiction. Instead, this comprehensive plan will expand and improve treatment options while pursuing smarter, more effective treatment support for healthcare professionals as well as enforcement tools for law enforcement agencies. And we will add more community partnerships to try and prevent addiction in the first place.

While no single entity or change will reverse this problem, something must be done. We need everyone on board to implement these changes.

Bringing Civility To Public Service And Improve Ethics Laws

It seems politicians today would rather look for a fight instead of come together to solve problems. Michigan’s comeback didn’t happen because politicians fought one another, it occurred because people decided to work together and treat each other with respect.

As governor, I will listen to all views no matter if they are different from my own, and respect those whom I have policy differences with. Even if we can’t come to the same conclusion, it’s important to strive to come to a common understanding. On top of that, we will combine this approach with other good government reforms like expanding the Freedom of Information Act, increasing financial disclosure requirements of politicians, and ending the revolving door of politicians who go on to become lobbyists.

^[27]

Why are principles important?

Many issues that will be faced in the next four years have yet to surface. It is important to know what principles will guide the development of future solutions not simply solutions of the past.

What are some of Patrick Colbeck’s guiding principles?

The government works for the people, not the other way around.

The Constitution is a social compact between the people and our government that needs to be respected not ignored by our elected officials.

Tax increases always should be the LAST option considered NOT the first.

Our citizens deserve solutions that prioritize the best interests of ALL of our citizens not a select few with access to power brokers.

Sustained fiscal prosperity cannot be achieved in the absence of a moral and religious society.

Principled Solutions

Job Growth

Special interests have ruled the roost for too long when it comes to creating jobs in our state. It is time for economic development policies that benefit all job providers equally by cutting the cost of doing business in our state via lower taxes, lower insurance costs, lower electricity costs, and better educated graduates. NO MORE PICKING WINNERS AND LOSERS.

Education Excellence

Parents, teachers and students should drive education decisions not Lansing or DC. Enough with the micromanaging of the classroom via Feds, State agencies or top-down systems like Common Core which prioritize testing over instruction.

No State Income Tax

Time for Lansing to prioritize expenses, not force families to prioritize their expenses. Colbeck has provided a practical, milestone-driven plan to eliminate the state personal income tax…and the Senior Pension Tax right along with it. Working citizens would see a 4.25% increase in their take home pay!

Citizen Driven Budget

Refocus state government services on citizen priorities NOT lobbyist priorities. Shift state spending to responsible local units of government. Local units of government, not Lansing, know best how to use your tax dollars for roads and public safety. Hold all levels of government accountable for their performance.

Higher Quality Roads

Refocus state government services on citizen priorities NOT lobbyist priorities. Shift state spending to responsible local units of government. Local units of government, not Lansing, know best how to use your tax dollars for roads and public safety. Hold all levels of government accountable for their performance.

Defense of Your Rights

Principled solutions need a solid defense and understanding of your Constitutional rights. Colbeck has been outspoken in defense of all of your rights especially the fundamental rights to life, religion, speech, assembly, self-defense, and the protection of your privacy. Plus, he has promoted civics education that will secure this defense in the hearts and minds of future generations.

Affordable Quality Healthcare

Colbeck has received national recognition for his free market healthcare solutions that lower costs while improving the quality of care…FOR ALL OF OUR CITIZENS.

Supporting Those Who Secure Your Rights

As Chairman of the MI Department of Military and Veteran Affairs budget, Colbeck led the effort to improve the quality of veteran services from one of the worst service records in the nation to #2 in the nation within just 4 years. He serves on the board of the Michigan Freedom Center which he co-founded to “Serves those who serve us” in the military.

The Freedom Centers provide hospitality services at Detroit Metro Airport as well as the Lansing and Troy Military Entrance Processing Stations. He has also been a vocal supporter of law enforcement and has been recognized as the Legislator of the Year by the Police Officers Association of Michigan.

Affordable Auto Insurance

Most of our auto insurance premiums go to pay for healthcare not “auto”-care. Time to fix that. We can provide people injured in accidents with the care they need without our current excessive cost of auto insurance.

^[27]

All Blogs found here
Abortion Abortion I have worked my whole career to protect life, from the time of conception to natural death. Click here to read the blog. Abortion Care Abortion is not a disease; it is a symptom of underlying personal and societal ills. Click here to read the blog. Sanctity of Life Prioritizing the protection of human life, beginning at conception. Click here to read the blog. Thoughts on Abortion I oppose abortion at any stage of pregnancy from conception to natural death. Click here to read the blog. The Sanctity of Life To devalue life at any level is to eventually devalue life at every level. Click here to read the blog.

Business Business Interests We are free to pursue our personal interests and talents and the career of our choice.Click here to read the blog. Business Lessons Small business is not out to change the world; it is the world. Click here to read the blog. Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurs show us that the ideal life isn’t one of no work, the ideal life is satisfying work. Click here to read the blog. Small Business The first step to keep jobs and businesses in Michigan is to keep taxes and regulations under control. Click here to read the blog.

Cancer Cancer Perspective Nobody wants it. Nobody likes it. We don’t want to think or talk about it. Unfortunately, many of us get it. What should we do? Click here to read the blog. Caring with Cancer When you learn that someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer, what can you do and how can you “help” or encourage this person? Click here to read the blog. Childhood Cancer September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month. Consider suggestions on what you should do for your Michigan friends and neighbors who have a child with cancer. Click here to read the blog.

Children Child Abuse As citizens, we have a responsibility to help protect children.Click here to read the blog. Rearing Children A study of school playground behavior illustrates that fact that children feel safer if they know what the boundaries are.Click here to read the blog.

Community Bathroom Usage I would not seek to dictate an overall formula for the entire state. I believe such issues should be settled by local communities and school boards. Click here to read the blog. Citizen Rights Our nation was founded on the principle that we have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Click here to read the blog. Michigan, The Neighborly State

I know that Michiganders are generous people who will jump in and help each other. I would love for us to be known as “The Neighborly State.” Click here to read the blog.

Homeless When it comes to homelessness, meaning the number of people living in shelters, on the streets and in other unsafe places, I’m happy to note that our state homelessness rate dropped by 9% between 2014 and 2016. The date from the same time period shows an 80% increase in rapid re-housing beds and a 38% decrease in transitional housing beds. Click here to read the blog. Volunteers Whatever it is that YOU do as a volunteer, if you are doing the right thing for the right reason, you are making a difference and I salute you! Click here to read the blog.

Culture Native Americans Within the state of Michigan there are twelve federally-acknowledged Native American tribes. Click here to read the blog.

Education College Costs Michigan needs to explore ways to provide good paying jobs, enabling our graduates to pay off their debt and avoid going on welfare. Click here to read the blog. Common Core The goal is for children to learn a body of knowledge, not for programmed responses to be elicited by a test. Click here to read the blog. Education Factor The education of our children is vital; it is one of the key elements that make our state and nation great. Click here to read the blog. Education and Reading It’s hard to get a good education if you can’t read well, I am convinced that we should start by addressing the challenges that keep children from learning to read. Click here to read the blog. Higher Education When it comes to a college degree, statistics speak with eloquence. Click here to read the blog. Illiteracy One of the big issues facing Michigan in recent years is the high rate of functional illiteracy—the inability to read well enough to perform such tasks such as filling out a job application. Click here to read the blog. Literacy Adult illiteracy costs American society $240 billion per year through a combination of lost productivity, unrealized tax revenues, welfare, and crime. Click here to read the blog. Public Education Now that we are in an era where geographic and communication constraints have been profoundly reduced, education has become a big business. Click here to read the blog. Teacher Impact What impact do teachers have on their students. Click here to read the blog. Student Debt The Grand Rapids Press reported last October that student debt in Michigan was up 57 percent over the last 10 years. Click here to read the blog.

Family Christ Came Christ came! That very first Christmas, He came! And He brought with him promises fulfilled, the hope of forgiveness, freedom from guilt and from the very power of sin in our lives! Click here to read the blog.

Christmas 2016

Christmas time with the Hines family is a special time of year. Click here to read the blog. Good Dads Having just celebrated Father’s Day, I’ve been reminded of the value of fathers. Click here to read the blog. Eating Together Research shows that children who eat meals with their families frequently do better in school. Click here to read the blog. Healthy Thanksgiving Grateful people live fuller, richer lives. They experience less pains, take better care of themselves, and have less toxic emotions such as anger and resentment. Click here to read the blog. Michigan Fathers Studies have shown that there are many benefits for children who grow up in a home where the dad is present. Click here to read the blog. Mothers Mothers are the heart of the home and the knot that holds the family together. Click here to read the blog. Parenting Michigan needs strong families – families that love each other, spend time together, and build lives, communities, and businesses together for the good of others. Click here to read the blog. Parents and Reading If we want to improve education in Michigan, we can all help by reading to the children in our sphere of influence. Click here to read the blog. Spouse Care The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse can tell you with 93% certainty within 5 minutes of meeting a couple if they will get divorced. Click here to read the blog. Strong Families We need to look at ways to strengthen our families and help each other develop strategies for working together to resolve conflict and encourage one another. Click here to read the blog. Thankfulness I hope you will join me in extending friendship and hospitality to those around you, and as the last stanza of our national anthem says, may we “Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!” Click here to read the blog.

First Responders Fire Deaths Despite commendable efforts by local fire departments in various areas, fire deaths in Michigan have been increasing over the last five years. Click here to read the blog. Human Heroes Police officers are the human beings who have sworn to protect and serve the people of their community, despite the risk to themselves. Click here to read the blog. Policemen Police officers, both male and female, are the human interface between the laws of government and the people. Click here to read the blog.

Government Balancing the Budget I want to keep taxes and regulations under control, decreasing them whenever we can. But I also want to be practical. Click here to read the blog. Best Solutions Working together to affect the best solutions. Click here to read the blog. Can Ethics and Politics Mix We have a right to expect and inspect integrity in our leaders. Click here to read the blog. Constitutional Integrity “Constitutional Integrity” – making laws, and governing, in line with the original intent of the founding fathers. Click here to read the blog. Freedom of Conscience How much does it mean to you to have the freedom to live according to your conscience? Click here to read the blog. Fresh Perspective My experiences as an “outsider” mean that I’m not afraid to challenge failed power structures and seek better, more effective methods of solving problems. Click here to read the blog. Government Integrity When looking for a solution in government corruption, we need to leave blanket stereotypes behind and examine the root of the problem. Click here to read the blog. Political Obligations One advantage of running for governor as a political outsider is that I am not bound by any obligations to lobbyists or bureaucrats. Click here to read the blog. Recreational Marijuana As the discussion on legalizing recreational marijuana continues, Michiganders should consider how states that have already made such a move have been affected. Click here to read the blog. The Constitution Matters Some things are valuable enough to go to any lengths to protect them. Click here to read the blog. Transparency I believe that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is an essential accountability tool as it gives citizens the right to request and receive information. Click here to read the blog. Transparency and Ethics Part of the problem is weak public records laws and an absence of laws requiring personal financial disclosures by lawmakers and top state officials. Click here to read the blog. U.S. Constitution, John Adams I believe that it is critical that we as citizens understand our U.S. Constitution and what is required of us in order to uphold it. Click here to read the blog.

Gun Control Bearing Arms Before we dismantle the Second Amendment, we should know why it was there in the first place. Click here to read the blog. Gun Rights One of the rights the Founding Fathers of the United States wanted to make sure was protected was the right to bear arms. Click here to read the blog. Hunter Safety With its many different types of wildlife, Michigan is a great attraction for hunters. This can raise concerns for the safety of our residents and visitors. Click here to read the blog.

Health Alzheimer’s Prioritizing the physical and emotional needs of the elderly and those with Alzheimer’s disease. Click here to read the blog. Anger is a Choice Did you know that you don’t have to go through the stress of carrying anger around with you? Click here to read the blog. Assisted Suicide Assisted suicide should not be legal because it is dangerous. Click here to read the blog. How Would You Fix Health Care? I believe our goal should be affordable, accessible, and high-quality healthcare for everyone who wants it. I am in favor of Free-Market Health Care, giving people the freedom to choose. Click here to read the blog. Special Needs Children If you know a family with a special-needs child, why not seek ways to help ease their burden! A little compassion can go a long way! Click here to read the blog. Unseen Dangers Unseen dangers and unintended consequences, the water in Flint is a grave concern for families. Click here to read the blog. The Benefits of Owning A Pet Most of us are aware of the benefits of trained service animals, but many people struggling with disabilities, mental disorders, or post-traumatic stress syndrome are finding that interacting with their pet can help them cope with anxiety or depression. Click here to read the blog.

Immigration Borders While immigrants should always be welcome to this country, they must be carefully vetted to assure that we are protecting our citizens and legal immigrants from terrorist acts. Click here to read the blog. Immigration We can remember traditions and heritage from other times and places, but each person should seek to be first an American citizen, assimilating into the culture, values, laws, and loyalties of our nation. Click here to read the blog. Open Border Those who argue for open borders claim that they will provide economic benefits and reduce poverty by equalizing the world’s population but there are many more factors involved. Click here to read the blog. Sanctuary Cities Sanctuary policies drain resources that could be better invested in caring for and protecting the law-abiding citizens and legal residents of this country. Click here to read the blog.

Infrastructure Maintenance We must consider not only the cost of construction of roads, buildings, and other projects, but also the maintenance. Click here to read the blog. Michigan Roads I want to make potholes rare, extend road longevity, and reduce maintenance costs. Click here to read the blog. Roads and Business What we should be looking for when finding a location for new business and how the roads matter. Click here to read the blog.

Jobs Farming Recognizing the role of farmers in Michigan’s economy. Click here to read the blog. Michigan Farmers ​Taxes and regulation need to encourage farm expansion and survival. We need to listen to our farmers. Click here to read the blog. Michigan Jobs I would bring back vocational training in our school system. This will require alternative certification to get skilled trades individuals into the classroom. Click here to read the blog. Skilled Trades A new program called Vocational Village is being offered in two Michigan prisons that holds a lot of potential for reintegrating prisoners into society and providing skilled workers for the work force. Click here to read the blog. Success We are not guaranteed or entitled to success, it is achieved through wisdom and hard work. Click here to read the blog. Workforce Development Policy As governor, I will promote the following endeavors to make a better Michigan. Click here to read the blog. Workplace Communication Good communication in the workplace can go a long way toward relieving workplace stress, if each person takes responsibly. Click here to read the blog.

Leadership Great Leaders A few thoughts on what makes a great leader. Click here to read the blog. Leadership Effective leaders are made, not born. There are certain key characteristics that are necessary to lead well. Click here to read the blog. Mentoring A good mentor can be a better predictor of success than education, natural abilities, and “the luck of the draw.” Click here to read the blog.

Life Advice 2018 New Year As I reconsider the year 2017 and look forward to the year 2018, I recommit myself to faithfulness to my Lord, my wife, my family, my country and its constitution, and the people of the State of Michigan. Click here to read the blog. Change The most significant changes I have observed are when people work one-on-one with other individuals. Click here to read the blog. Courteous Driving Here are a few tips that can help take some of the tension out of driving. Click here to read the blog. Creation vs Evolution If evolution is true, you happened by chance, not design. Click here to read the blog. Does What We Believe Matter? If humans were created, then there must be a purpose for their creation. Our lives were meant to matter for something. Click here to read the blog. Gratitude Psychology Today Magazine has identified that happiness, relationships, health, and goals are improved by gratitude. Click here to read the blog. House vs Home There is a debate over the pros and cons of renting or owning your own place. Click here to read the blog. Important Memories It is believed that every experience we have ever had is stored in the brain somewhere. Click here to read the blog. Knowing People First impressions are largely based on appearance and visual cues. Click here to read the blog. Neighbors A basic rule of thumb is to treat others the way you would like to be treated. Click here to read the blog. Positive Change If we want to see positive change, we must engage and be a part of it. We need to be growing and changing if we want to have that kind of influence on others. Click here to read the blog. Values and Beliefs What happens when my values and beliefs run into conflict with your values and beliefs? Click here to read the blog. Wisdom Wisdom encompasses the ability to make sound judgements/choices and helps provide balance and purpose in life. Click here to read the blog.

Religion Preserving Religious Freedoms We as a society cannot afford to take away the religious freedoms of our citizens. Religious organizations should be able to refuse such services directly if something runs contrary to their scripture or scriptural belief. Click here to read the blog.

Seniors Elder Care It’s important to know what our options are in determining what will be best for our elderly family members. Click here to read the blog. Senior Citizens The value of our seniors goes far beyond whether they can manage technology. Click here to read the blog. Senior Rights Communities and policymakers in Michigan face challenges in caring for out aging population. Click here to read the blog. ^[27]

Make Michigan the Jobs State:

Bill will cut taxes, regulations and wasteful spending to strengthen our economy and create better paying jobs because Michigan families deserve a pay raise. He will champion vocational education, so whether our high school graduates are college-ready or job-ready, they will be ready. He will prepare students for careers in the skilled trades, ensuring multiple pathways to progress in our 21st century economy and a secure place in America’s middle class. Bill will fight to make Michigan number one and a place where people come to raise their families.

End the Opioid Crisis:

Michigan is gripped by an epidemic of opioid addictions that must be fought on all fronts. Bill works daily to slow the availability of opioids and heroin with a special criminal unit that targets the distribution of these drugs. However, we cannot arrest our way out of this problem, so Bill has supported legislation to limit prescriptions and the recent increased federal funding to create education and treatment programs at the state level that have been lacking. Ending the addiction crisis requires increased education before addiction starts and increased access to treatment programs.

Roll Back the Granholm Income Tax Hike:

Michigan taxpayers were told by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm that her income tax hike would be temporary. A decade later, she is gone but you are still paying. Bill will fight to roll back the Granholm income tax increase and give Michigan residents more money in their paychecks. A victory by Granholm’s lieutenants guarantees the roll back will never happen and taxes will only go higher.

Protecting Women and Children:

With Bill’s leadership, Michigan has made strides in protecting the victims of Human Trafficking and Sexual Assault. As governor, Bill will continue advancing programs to rescue and treat those who have become trapped in a life of sexual slavery and want to reclaim their lives. Michigan must continue to make the testing of sexual assault DNA evidence kits a priority to ensure the victims of these horrendous crimes receive justice and to get rapists off our streets.

^[27]