July 2019
• High-speed video cameras
“We are committed to
supporting our employees and
ensuring they have the resources
necessary to stay nimble, learn
new skills and flourish in their
careers,” said Carson.
Reorganization of Talent,
Economic Development
and Labor Agencies
Governor Whitmer issued an
Executive Order (2019-13) last
month reorganizing several state
agencies with responsibilities
pertaining to talent, economic
development and labor. The
stated goal of the reorganization
is to streamline programs and
better coordinate efforts to
achieve the Governor’s statewide
goal of increasing the number of
Michigan residents with a
post-secondary credential.
The Department of Talent and
Economic Development (TED)
will be abolished. Effective 8/11/19,
the new Department of Labor and
Economic Opportunity (LEO) will
be led by Jeff Donofrio, current
executive director of workforce
development for the city of
Detroit. The new LEO will
consist of the following agencies:
• Michigan Economic Development
Corporation (MEDC) and
the Michigan Strategic Fund
(with a reorganized Board)
• Unemployment Insurance Agency
• Workforce Development Agency
• Workers’ Compensation Agency
and Board of Magistrates
• Michigan Occupational Safety
and Health Administration
(MIOSHA)
• Wage and Hour Division
• Employment Relations
Commission
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services
• Michigan State Housing
Development Authority
(MSHDA), State Landbank
Fast Track Authority and State
Historic Preservation Office
MiMfg Magazine
• Michigan Office of New
Americans, Asian Pacific
American Affairs Commission,
Commission on Middle Eastern
American Affairs and Hispanic/
Latino Commission of Michigan
• Bureau of Services
for Blind Persons
• Various entities and
responsibilities for adult
education, STEM advisory
and youth employment
The directive also separates the
Michigan Compensation Appellate
Commission, which currently
handles unemployment and workers’
comp appeals, into two new bodies:
the Workers’ Disability Compensation
Appeals Commission and the
Unemployment Insurance Appeals
Commission. This will likely have
a significant impact on workers’
compensation appeals.
MMA will work closely with
Senate leadership, which has
advice and consent powers for
appointees in the new department
and will keep members apprised
of developments.
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