Schauer said that public education will be his top economic priority, and that the state needs to build back its funding commitment to universities.

"I want to invest more in our universities. When Rick Snyder came into office he cut funding for higher education by 15 percent, and that's resulted in increased tuition for students," he said. "A second thing that is a priority of mine is to provide need-based financial aid for students. We know the leading reason — it's actually been researched — that students drop out of college: they can't afford it." 

Schauer said it is in the state's interest to provide need-based financial aid for students. He said that MSU and other universities in Michigan play a key role in building a new high-tech economy. Schauer commended MSU for important research it has conducted — in conjunction with other universities — around sciences, engineering and emerging technologies.

"Our universities, including MSU, are engines in helping to drive a new high-tech economy and to create job opportunities for young people so they don't have to go to Chicago or New York or Boston or (Los Angeles) to get jobs," he said. "My goal is to make sure we keep our young people here, and our universities play an important job in developing the new technology that can be commercialized to help guide and support and hatch entrepreneurs so they can start their ventures here and hire outstanding college graduates here in Michigan."

Schauer is a former Battle Creek City Commissioner, a former Member of Congress from Battle Creek and a former member of the Michigan House and Senate.