The younger Schreiber attended the youth government and leadership program Badger Boys State in 1956 as a representative chosen from Milwaukee Lutheran High School.

During his political career, Schreiber focused on education, children's issues, consumer protection, and the rights of workers and the elderly.

In July 1977, following the resignation of Lucey to become the United States ambassador to Mexico, Schreiber succeeded him as Governor for the remainder of their four-year term.

In the general election, political newcomer Lee S. Dreyfus, a populist Republican and skilled orator, waged an unconventional campaign and successfully attacked the Lucey-Schreiber record on taxes and big government.

He ran for the governor's office again in 1982, campaigning against Anthony S. Earl, former head of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

[14] He also collaborated with Wisconsin's state government and business groups to help create the "Dementia-Friendly Employers" Toolkit, which has been used by human resources departments and employee assistance programs.