FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 31, 2022

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Encourages Employers to Implement Strategies to Improve Mental Health in the Workplace

New report details strategies to improve employee wellbeing and reduce workplace stressors

LANSING, Mich. – To further efforts to support mental health and wellbeing for more Michiganders, Governor Gretchen Whitmer tasked the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) with establishing a dedicated workgroup to focus on mental health, trauma, and resiliency in the workplace. The workgroup has released their findings and key strategies for employers to help build supportive workplaces by integrating employee mental health strategies that establish healthier workplaces, enhance employee wellbeing and promote resilient companies

This work builds on Governor Whitmer’s recently released mental health proposals that will help Michiganders get the comprehensive care they need, so that our state can attract and retain more mental health professionals, open more appointments and create good-paying jobs.

“Every person in Michigan should have access to the quality, affordable mental and physical care they need,” said Governor Whitmer. “By giving Michiganders the comprehensive care they deserve, and by making investments in mental health strategies in the workplace, we can build a stronger Michigan with a resilient workforce. The workgroup recommendations are another step closer to helping more Michiganders have access to mental health care.”

LEO worked closely with employers, workers and professionals to discuss how workplaces can implement supportive and empowering strategies, while also highlighting organizational opportunities for better workplace environments.

The report details the findings of the workgroup and key strategies for employers to help build supportive workplaces by integrating employee mental health strategies that establish healthier workplaces, enhance employee wellbeing and promote resilient companies.

“While we are incredibly proud of the work that has been done to come up with these proposals to improve mental health in the workplace, we realize there is still a lot of work to be done in order to develop and implement these and other workplace mental health strategies,” said LEO Deputy Director of Labor Sean Egan. “We hope employees and employers across the state will join us in reviewing the report findings and recommendations and build on mental health strategies that will have a great, positive impact on employee wellbeing in addition to protecting the employer’s bottom line and our communities.”

Investing in mental health and safety is critical to build strong workplaces, a strong workforce and strong communities. It is also imperative for employers to focus on mental health and safety for the overall wellbeing of their employees.

“Many of us have been in workplaces where the overall attention to employee mental health has been great in some places and poor in others, and we’ve seen the positive impact strong mental health can have on employee satisfaction, work productivity and the company as a whole,” said Debra A. Pinals, M.D., Medical Director for Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and clinical professor of psychiatry at University of Michigan. “Our goal in this work with LEO is to help employers create a workplace where the mental health is strong and employees enjoy coming into work every day, which creates an environment that is beneficial to employees and employers alike.”

“Careers in the professional trades are vital to Michigan’s economic future and we are committed to ensuring those entering these high-demand fields are equipped with the physical and mental health support they need to succeed,” said DeShon Leek, Southeast Representative, Michigan Building Trades.

To learn more about the details of the report, the workgroup encourages employees and employers to join them for a virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 8 at 2:30 p.m. – join the virtual meeting here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE           

May 26, 2022

Contact: Press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Kicks Off $1.5 Million Tuition Giveaway to Celebrate 35th Anniversary of Michigan Education Trust
100 Michigan children to benefit from $15,000 in prepaid tuition 

LANSING, Mich. — In celebration of the Michigan Education Trust’s (MET) 35-year anniversary, Governor Gretchen Whitmer today announced the launch of the MET 35th Anniversary $1.5 Million Giveaway, a random, statewide drawing that friends and family can enter on behalf of a child for a chance to win one of 100 $15,000 prepaid tuition prizes.

The governor was joined by former Governor Jim Blanchard, State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, former state Sen. William Sederburg, Lansing School District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner, and teachers, students, parents and community leaders at Riddle Elementary School.

“This life-changing giveaway is an awesome way to celebrate 35 years of helping Michigan families save for higher education,” said Governor Whitmer. “It will help more students attain the education and skills they will need to achieve their career goals and bring us closer to meeting our goal of 60% of working-age adults with a skill certificate or college degree by 2030. I applaud Treasurer Eubanks and the MET Board for making this opportunity possible, and I especially want to thank Governor Blanchard for his leadership and long-term vision that have left a remarkable legacy. I would encourage any family thinking about saving for higher education to look into MET — as my parents did for me — and start today.”

Under MET’s giveaway, Michigan residents 18 years or older on Aug. 31, 2022, are eligible to enter on behalf of beneficiaries ages birth to 5 by the same date for a chance to win $15,000 in prepaid tuition. A person may enter only once, but multiple people may enter on behalf of the same child. The prepaid tuition prize may be used to pay for future tuition and mandatory fees at a community college, college, university or trade school in accordance with MET terms and conditions.

“A lot has changed over the past 35 years, but one thing still holds true today — a family’s desire to help put their children on the path to a bright and successful future,” said former Governor Blanchard, who proposed the MET plan in his State of the State address in 1986 and signed it into law later that year. “Back then, parents and grandparents didn’t have a lot of options to save for a child’s higher education. We created MET, and it has been a key that has helped unlock opportunities for tens of thousands of Michiganders to receive the education, training and skills that lead to better jobs, social mobility and economic security. I’m proud of the lasting impact MET has had on so many.”

The giveaway is not being funded by state tax dollars. A prudent investment strategy over the last decade has resulted in a record surplus for MET, which can now be used to invest in Michiganders. Earlier this year, the MET Board of Directors unanimously agreed to use a portion of the surplus to elevate awareness of MET and provide more Michigan children with access to higher education that will help them prepare to compete in a modern workforce and solve future challenges.

“The idea behind the giveaway is to help make 100 dreams come true by reaching more families and helping more children achieve success through higher education,” said Treasurer Eubanks, who also serves on the MET Board. “We are excited to shine a $1.5 million spotlight on MET and show parents, grandparents and others how it’s a safe, secure and flexible way to make sure their loved ones meet their future education and career goals.”

Giveaway entry begins today (May 26) and ends on Aug. 31, 2022. Winners will be announced in a series of drawings beginning Sept. 12. Michiganders can enter the giveaway and review rules and eligibility criteria at www.METgiveaway.com.

“As the only school district in Michigan that offers free pre-K to all students living within our boundaries regardless of family income, the Lansing School District is committed to enriching our young learners by building a strong foundation for lifelong curiosity and well-being,” said Lansing School District Superintendent Ben Shuldiner. “But that foundation is just one part of the equation. Pursuing higher education can be financially unattainable for many students. MET is a great resource to help families save for future higher education even if it’s just in small increments a little bit at a time. This giveaway can help provide a child with a $15,000 head start toward his or her future. I strongly urge families in Lansing and across the state to enter.”

About the Michigan Education Trust

Administered by the Michigan Department of Treasury, MET lets families pay today’s prices for future higher education costs. Signed into law in December 1986, it was the first prepaid tuition program in the nation.

More than 96% of high school graduates participating in MET have attended a college, university or technical school.

There are three types of MET plans: the full benefits plan, the limited benefits plan and the community college plan. Families can purchase one plan or mix and match options.

MET benefits can be used for postsecondary education at universities, colleges and technical schools. If a child chooses to attend a private Michigan school or out-of-state college or university, funds can be directed to that institution. MET benefits may also be transferred to other eligible family members and are refundable if the student chooses to attend trade school or does not attend college.

Parents, grandparents or other family and friends can make MET contributions on behalf of beneficiaries. MET has flexible and convenient payment options that allow purchasers to pay as they go, pay all at once or make monthly payments.

Contributions to MET plans are tax deductible on Michigan tax returns. Earnings are tax exempt if they are used for qualified higher education expenses.

More information about MET, including one-on-one consultation sessions with MET experts, is available at SETwithMET.com, 800-MET-4-KID or treasMET@Michigan.gov.

Gov. Whitmer Announces Global Drivetrain Testing Provider ATESTEO Establishing Headquarters in East Lansing, Creating 46 High-Wage Jobs

LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) to announce that ATESTEO North America, a global provider of testing services for EV drivetrains and components, is establishing its North American headquarters in East Lansing with support from the Michigan Strategic Fund. This investment is expected to create up to 46 well-paying jobs and add $27.8 million to the state’s economy.

“Today’s investment by ATESTEO will build on Michigan’s advanced manufacturing strengths and create dozens of good-paying, high-skill jobs for Michiganders in mid-Michigan. It will empower us to continue growing our economy and securing a strong future for our working families,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “ATESTEO’s facility reinforces our reputation as a leader in the future of mobility and electrification and underscores the strength of our talented workforce. Since I took office, Michigan has added 21,600 auto jobs, many build electric vehicles and batteries. Thanks to our effective fiscal management, hardworking people, and innovative businesses, Michigan’s economy is growing with low unemployment, rising wages, and strong small businesses growth. Michigan’s future is bright, and investments like today’s by ATESTEO will help us continue moving our state forward.”

The project is expected to generate a total capital investment of $27.8 million and create up to 46 well-paying jobs with the support of a $400,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund. Michigan was chosen for the project over competing sites in Ohio and South Carolina.

ATESTEO North America is a subsidiary of ATESTEO Group, a Germany-based testing services provider for automotive drivetrains. The company began serving the e-mobility industry in 2008 and provides testing services for hybrid and fully electrified auto drivetrains and components. ATESTEO North America was established in 2022 to better serve existing and future customers in the U.S.

ATESTEO plans to establish its North American headquarters in an existing building in East Lansing, where it will install test benches to test drivetrain systems and components. This facility will be the company’s first location in the U.S. With the assistance of LEAP, the company chose the East Lansing location because of its proximity to future automotive customers, the promising partnerships with Lansing Community College and Michigan State University, and the region’s storied automotive spirit.

“We are extremely excited to soon be part of East Lansing, Michigan! With drivetrain testing at an early point in time, we support automobile manufacturers and automotive suppliers to develop new, modern drive systems. We have consistently expanded our international operations in recent years to be on site wherever transmission development takes place. The strong automotive industry in the USA and the increased focus on electric and hybrid drive systems make it very sensible for us to have our own testing location in the United States. By establishing our North American headquarters, we are close to the automakers and automotive suppliers in Michigan and the United States,” said ATESTEO CEO Tim Willers. “They can test their drivetrains on our test benches right here in East Lansing. We thank the city of East Lansing for their openness and for the opportunity to locate our company in Lansing. We look forward to a bright future together in this beautiful innovative region with a long automotive tradition.”

The project will further boost Michigan‘s efforts to position itself as the global leader in the future of mobility and vehicle electrification. In addition, the project will bring immediate high-wage jobs, primarily engineering and technical positions, to the region and could lead to future investment in the state.

“Congratulations to the team at ATESTEO on your growth and success. We are excited to welcome you to Michigan, and appreciate this vote of confidence in our talented workforce and leadership position in electric vehicle manufacturing,” said Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of MEDC and President and Chair of the MSF Board. “We are grateful to the Governor, legislators and local officials for their continued support of the Michigan Business Development Program. We’re pleased to work with local partners like LEAP and the city of East Lansing to bring these high-wage jobs to mid-Michigan, and we look forward to welcoming more companies like ATESTEO to Michigan.”

The city of East Lansing has offered to support the project with approval of a 50-percent Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption and a new Personal Property Tax Exemption.

“ATESTEO represents the type of company that is aligned with our strategic priorities for business attraction,” said East Lansing Mayor Ron Bacon. “We are impressed by their technological advancement and ability to connect with the right people at MSU to create local opportunities for students and others to join the innovation economy that is continuing to grow here in East Lansing.”

To further help attract ATESTEO to East Lansing, LEAP also facilitated support from key workforce development partners at Capital Area Michigan Works!, MSU and LCC to assist with hiring and training needs. Individuals interested in careers with ATESTEO should visit https://www.atesteo.com/en/career/.

“ATESTEO is a perfect match for the Lansing Region and Michigan given our globally leading electrification and mobility industry opportunities,” said Bob Trezise, president and CEO of LEAP. “Foreign direct investment is a crucial economic development win that supports industry innovation and growth. Thanks to the critical partnership of the MEDC, East Lansing and other partners who worked side-by-side to set the stage for ATESTEO’s US launch!”