by Becky Andrus | May 26, 2022 | Regional News
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.
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by Becky Andrus | May 26, 2022 | Regional News
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 25, 2022
Contact: Press@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!”
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by Becky Andrus | May 25, 2022 | Regional News
Gov. Whitmer Proposes “MI Kids Back on Track” Tutoring Plan
Plan would invest additional state revenue to get students caught up and on track for long-term success
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer introduced the MI Kids Back on Track, a plan to expand tutoring and other learning supports across the state. The proposal would invest $280 million of Michigan’s $3 billion in additional revenue to tackle unfinished learning after a tough few years with tutoring or other forms of personalized instruction before, after, or during school.
“The MI Kids Back on Track program would double down on tackling unfinished learning by investing in what our kids need most,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “For lots of kids, this means extra personalized instruction, like tutoring, which is a critical tool for parents to help their kids get caught up and on the right track after a tough few years. In a tutoring setting, students get help from a caring, qualified adult who is focused on their specific learning challenges. Whether you’re a third grader learning about the solar system, a 6th grader getting better at fractions, or a junior sharpening persuasive writing skills—tutoring makes a difference. If we get this done, we can offer every student in Michigan—all 1.4 million of them—extra help with a qualified tutor. But tutoring programs only work if we have tutors. I am calling on my fellow Michiganders who want to see our kids succeed to join the effort to get our kids back on track.”
“Our schools have been amazing, but the disruption of the pandemic continues to have an adverse impact on students,” said Beth Hulett, Parent and PTA state board member. “I’m grateful to Governor Whitmer for investing more time, energy, and resources in education to ensure all students have the supports they need to succeed and thrive.”
“It’s no secret that the last few years have presented unprecedented challenges for students, educators, and parents across our state. We are fortunate in our district to have added multiple additional positions to support student recovery efforts, including additional counseling staff and academic interventionist positions,” said Paul Gaudard, Superintendent of Kearsley Schools. “Despite these supports, we know more assistance and resources are needed. I am hopeful that we can continue to work collaboratively and creatively with all stakeholders to ensure our students’ road to recovery is as quick as possible. I am excited about Governor Whitmer’s MI Back on Track Program and welcome support to help our kids succeed.”
“There are times when students need more instruction than the typical school day. After school tutoring and enrichment programs are a great way to meet that need. I have had the opportunity to run several afterschool programs,” said Rachel Huiskens, 5th grade teacher at Fiedler Elementary. “Tutoring was a chance for me to build a special relationship with kids who need extra support and personalized instruction. The impact I saw on children from those programs included social, emotional, cognitive, and academic growth. After school programs such as these provide a safe, supportive environment for students to learn, grow and build relationships. I look forward to Governor Whitmer’s MI Back on Track Program, and seeing the impact it will make for the kids in Michigan.”
Governor Whitmer’s MI Kids Back on Track plan would invest Michigan’s additional revenue to help students catch up and get on track for long-term success after a tough few years. Michigan schools have already received federal resources from the American Rescue Plan specifically to address unfinished learning. MI Kids Back on Track would build on this funding with state resources to bolster tutoring programs. The plan will help schools process background checks for potential tutors and pay them.
Michiganders who want to join the effort can sign up here.
Governor Whitmer’s Education Investments
For three years straight, Governor Whitmer has worked across the aisle to make the largest education investments in Michigan history—without raising taxes. Since taking office, she’s tripled the number of literacy coaches and last year, she signed an education budget that closed the funding gap between schools, boosted per-student investment to an all-time high, and helped districts hire hundreds of on-campus mental health professionals.
The Governor’s education budget proposal for this year, includes the highest per-student investment ever, $1 billion for school construction and renovation, funds to hire and retain 15,000 teachers, and more resources for on-campus mental health support.
The Whitmer-Gilchrist administration’s education accomplishments can be found here.
Michigan’s $3 Billion in Additional Revenue
Thanks to hardworking people, innovative small businesses, and effective fiscal management, Michigan has $3 billion in additional revenue. Governor Whitmer proposed MI Tax Rebate Right Now, a plan to return a portion of the additional revenue to Michiganders by sending $500 to working families as they face rising prices on groceries, gas, and other everyday expenses.
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by Becky Andrus | May 25, 2022 | Regional News
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Friend –
I have long believed that you cannot be a great country if you don’t make things.
But for far too long we have relied on foreign competitors for critical goods and products that our companies and workers need to be successful. We’re seeing it now with the semiconductor chip shortage.
It’s something I’ve been focused on addressing in the Senate – particularly as the Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee – and that’s why I’m honored to be serving on the conference committee tasked with finalizing the U.S. economic competitiveness legislation that has passed both the House and Senate.
At the first meeting of this bipartisan, bicameral committee, I stressed the need to invest in domestic semiconductor chip production – and fully fund the CHIPS Act to prevent another shortage like the one we are experiencing now.
To watch video of my remarks at the conference committee’s first meeting, click here.
The Senate-version of this legislation that I helped pass last year includes $50 billion to increase production of semiconductors – and I added an additional $2 billion in new funding for mature semiconductor technologies that critical manufacturing industries – like the auto industry – rely on.
I can’t stress enough that a strong economic competitiveness bill is key to ensuring that we can create jobs, outcompete anyone on the global stage – including the Chinese government – and continue to lead in manufacturing both in Michigan and across the country.
That’s why I am honored to be serving on the conference committee and look forward to getting this vital legislation signed into law as quickly as possible.
Thanks for reading,
Gary Peters
United States Senator for Michigan |
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by Becky Andrus | May 25, 2022 | Local News
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Prem Mukherjee
Email: info@arisingimages.com
Grants to be awarded to children’s based charities by local renowned
fine art portrait studio.
LAKE ORION, MI — Arising Images, a local Lake Orion portrait studio, is offering an opportunity to submit applications for a charitable grant. Organizations must be a 501(c) 3 within 75 miles of the Lake Orion community and provide programs and/or services that focus on children. Multiple grants between $15k-$30k will be awarded.
Locally owned and operated by Prem and Cheridy Mukherjee since 2004, Arising Images is excited to open up this donation opportunity to the many worthy causes in the area. Prem says, “Supporting the mission of the good people doing the good works of providing programs & services to children in the community really aligns with our vision to help kids realize they are valued and important. By capturing their strength and inner beauty through portraits, our goal is always to reinforce their self-worth and build confidence. We also know that the process for applying and obtaining grants can be challenging for smaller charities so we have made the process to apply and be considered very simple. It really just seemed like a great marriage of our values.”
To be considered for a donation, organizations will submit an application on or before the deadline of July 31, 2022. After careful review, finalists will be notified and invited to do a short, in-person presentation at a date/time to be announced.
Complete submission criteria and application link is available at: https://arisingimages.com/grant_application/; Arising Images FB; or request by email at info@arisingimages.com. For more information, please call 248-720-5848.
About Arising Images
Arising Images, a Michigan boutique studio, specializes in children’s fantasy portraits that capture their innocence and amazement with mystical forest friends and magic in a lush realistic forest setting. Fine Art Photographer’s provide artistic images and heirloom quality products that last a lifetime and create a memorable family experience.
by Becky Andrus | May 24, 2022 | Regional News
PHOTOS: Lt. Governor Gilchrist Tours Rebuilding Michigan Project in Lansing
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II inspected the progress made on the I-69 Rebuilding Michigan Project in Lansing. This project is one of over 20 Rebuilding Michigan projects that invest a historic $3.5 Billion into Michigan’s Infrastructure – without raising taxes.
“I wanted to come visit the I-69 revitalization project in Clinton County to see how our administration’s investments in infrastructure are making a difference. We are investing approximately $65 million to rebuild I-69 from I-96 to Airport Road, reconstruct the interchanges at Francis and Airport roads, and perform preventative maintenance on 13 bridges,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Throughout Michigan, we are rebuilding roads and bridges using the right mix of materials to ensure that our roads are safe, create good-paying jobs, and support local economies and small businesses. Through the end of this year, we will have fixed over 16,000 lane miles of road and 1,200 bridges, directly supporting nearly 89,000 jobs.”
Project Profile: I-69 in Clinton and Eaton Counties
The I-69 revitalization project in Clinton County invests $73 million to rebuild I-69 from I-96 to Airport Road, reconstruct the interchanges at Francis and Airport roads and perform preventative maintenance on 13 bridges. This investment supports 927 jobs and revitalizes an important route for commuter, commercial, and tourism traffic.
Historic Infrastructure Investments
Governor Whitmer and Lt. Governor Gilchrist have already fixed over 13,000 lane miles of road and 903 bridges, supporting nearly 82,000 jobs. These and future repairs are made possible by two historic investments, the Rebuilding Michigan plan, a 5-year, $3.5 billion investment in our highways and bridges without an increase at the pump, and the bipartisan Building Michigan Together Plan, the largest one-time investment in Michigan’s infrastructure in state history. These strategic investments in Michigan’s critical infrastructure ensures future Michiganders will have safe roadways and bridges to run errands, travel, and build a stronger economy.
Learn more about the Whitmer – Gilchrist Administrations historic infrastructure investments here.
