Whitmer Orders State To Divest Any Pension, Trust Fund Investments In Russia-Based Companies

LANSING — Gov. Gretchen Whitmer ordered agencies Tuesday to divest state of Michigan pension plans and trust funds from any Russian companies or institutions, following condemnations of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in the state Legislature.

In a letter to State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks, Whitmer called on the State of Michigan Investment Board to hold a special meeting to pull state pension plan funds from any Russian investments. The Democratic governor also asked the Department of Treasury to divest any trust funds invested in businesses or institutions headquartered in Russia.

Whitmer called Russian President Vladimir Putin’s actions against Ukraine an “illegal,” “destructive” and “heinous” attempt to overthrow Ukraine’s government.

About the Author: Mike Brennan

Founder of Michigan News Network, and serves as CEO, as well as Editor & Publisher of MITECHNEWS.COM. Brennan has worked since 1980 as a technology writer at newspapers in New York, NY, San Jose, CA., Seattle, WA., Memphis, TN., Detroit, MI., and London, England. He co-founded and served as managing editor of Pacific Rim News Service (SEATTLE), which developed a network of more than 100 freelance journalists in 17 Asia-Pacific countries.