Johnson makes trip from Mackinac Island to mainland in sailing kayak to highlight ExpressSOS.com, other causes

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson pulled into Mackinaw City after the three-hour trip, laughed and said she’d do it all again, but “it sure would be nice if it’s with the wind instead of against it the next time!”

Johnson made the unusual trip in her personal Hobie Cat kayak to promote her department’s online services at ExpressSOS.com. The water temperature in the Straits of Mackinac was about 40 degrees. Winds gusted up to 27 mph during her crossing.

Her boat was decorated with decals promoting other state efforts, like the state’s popular Recreation Passport, the new Pure Michigan plate, organ donation and Johnson’s efforts on behalf of the military known as OPERATION: OUR TROOPS COUNT.

Johnson’s boat will be making stops across Michigan this summer, including as a float in the Traverse City Cherry Festival Parade on July 6. 

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New bill creates license plate to benefit veterans, soldiers

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson strongly supports new legislation that would create a fundraising license plate to support outreach programs and scholarships for veterans, soldiers and their families. “I hope everyone who notices the license plate takes a moment to thank that veteran," Johnson said. "Better yet, money generated by this plate will go directly to help Michigan veterans and their families.” The legislation would have the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office determine the plate’s design. Money collected from plate sales will go to the Michigan Veterans Engagement Fund for outreach activities with local veterans’ service agencies. It also will provide tuition help for Michigan National Guard or Michigan active duty military personnel and their children. Like other fundraising plates, the cost of an original plate would be a $25 donation, a $10 service fee and the regular vehicle registration. When motorists renew the plate, they would pay $10 extra, which goes entirely to fund the veterans’ initiatives.

Popularity of Self-Service Stations grows

Customers used the Secretary of State's 77 Self-Service Stations more than 48,000 times last month for convenient license plate tab renewals – the third highest monthly total in the history of the program. Only March 2013 and August 2012 had higher numbers.

Using the Self-Service Stations, customers can have their tabs in hand and be on their way in less than 2 minutes. Many of the machines across the state are accessible on a 24/7 basis. So the next time you want your tabs in a hurry, try one of our Self-Service Stations!

May 2013 – Top 10 kiosks (transactions)

• Clinton Twp. SUPER          2,042
• South Macomb PLUS         1,744
• Livonia Area SUPER          1,697
• South Kalamazoo PLUS     1,519
• SE Wayne PLUS               1,482
• Flint Area SUPER              1,400
• East Oakland PLUS           1,365
• SW Oakland PLUS            1,363
• Shelby Township               1,350
• Livingston PLUS                1,263

Johnson on board of Detroit Economic Club

Secretary Johnson has been named to the Detroit Economic Club board of directors. The club is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to the discussion and debate of important business, government and social issues. Board members are asked to support the club in a number of ways including encouraging membership, assisting with obtaining speakers, occasionally serving as a presiding officer and attending regular DEC meetings as schedules permit.

Jai'Wan high five

Secretary Johnson greets friend and organ recipient Jai’Wan Davis-Harbour at Gift of Life Michigan’s Keystone Symposium on Organ Donation in Novi on May 30. Jai’wan received a kidney in 2012 after a five-year wait, years of dialysis and more than 60 surgeries. His photo is featured on posters encouraging organ donation at Michigan Secretary of State offices. 

Mobile Office at Nat'l Strawberry Festival

Take your dad or your grad to the Belleville National Strawberry Festival June 14, 15 and 16, and while you’re there, stop by the Mobile Branch Office to renew your license plate tabs, register to vote, sign up to be an organ donor and much more. 

Wanted: Xmas tree

The search for the State of Michigan Christmas tree is underway. The state is now taking nominations for the 2013 Christmas tree that will ultimately sit on the front lawn of the Capitol this holiday season. Nominations are requested by July 31.

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