SOS Express News from Secretary of State Ruth Johnson

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FAIR warning to insurance scammers

FAIR announcement

Secretary Johnson: New partnership to combat fraud, protect consumers

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson announced a new initiative this week to protect consumers after her office uncovered significant evidence of fraudulent auto insurance certificates. In fact, fraudulent or invalid certificates were discovered in more than half of Michigan’s counties during a one-day review of all paper insurance certificates submitted to Secretary of State offices across the state. 

FAIR logo

To crack down on auto insurance scams, Johnson unveiled a joint effort – the Fighting Auto Insurance Rip-offs (FAIR) initiative that includes the Michigan State Police, prosecutors, state officials and insurance industry leaders.

"I want to make sure that the criminals that are perpetrating these crimes know that we are coming after you," Johnson said to conclude her remarks.

Learn more at the FAIR website

See photos from the news conference

Hear SOS Johnson discuss FAIR with Michael Patrick Shiels


Harvest Gathering

Harvest Gathering campaign kicks off

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson helped kick off the 2013 Michigan Harvest Gathering campaign at the state Capitol on Sept. 19, encouraging residents to drop off nonperishable food items at any Secretary of State office through Nov. 27 to help families in need.

"Our state is 'people-strong' and we endure even the toughest of times by standing together as a community of one," Johnson said.

Harvest Gathering logo

Pictured, left to right, are: Jamie Clover Adams, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; Attorney General and Harvest Gathering Co-Founder Bill Schuette; Secretary Johnson; Kareemah El-Amin, executive director of the Food Bank Council of Michigan; Steven Johnson, senior director of operations for the Michigan Health and Hospital Association; and Karole White, president of the Michigan Association of Broadcasters.

Read the news release


Seniors get Secretary of State update

warren seniors

Secretary Johnson visited the Warren/Centerline Senior Connection monthly meeting at DeCarlo's Banquet and Convention Center in Warren Sept. 9 and gave residents a state update that touched on elections, customer services, organ donation and Michigan's turnaround.

Warren seniors

"Michigan is made of innovators, hard workers, people that care...and it shows. We're the Comeback State!" Johnson said.

She also fielded several questions from the senior citizens in attendance and enjoyed talking with many of them after the program.

Michigan votes

Nat'l Voter Registration Day is Sept. 24

If you have yet to register to vote in Michigan, please do so now!


Ruth and Maggie heart recipient

Donate Life Rally at State Capitol

Secretary Johnson joined Gift of Life Michigan, The Michigan Eye-Bank and hundreds of organ donation advocates, including young heart recipient Maggie McLaren, at the Capitol on Sept. 18 for a Donate Life Celebration.

Johnson shared what a transplant recipient once said about an organ donor that inspired her: "Because of him, my kids still have their mom."

Michigan has added more than 1 million names to its donor registry in two years.


Habitat build

Veteran Habitat Build

Secretary Johnson, staff and other Habitat for Humanity volunteers helped work on a house in Grand Rapids on Sept. 11 for a veteran and his family who are looking forward to having a home of their own.

Find out more about Habitat for Humanity. (Photo by Bri Luginbill)


MBO at WCCCD

SOS at WCCCD

The Secretary of State Mobile Office visited the Eastern Campus of Wayne County Community College District on Sept. 16, helping students, faculty and staff with their transactions.

Linda Lee Tarver, director of community affairs for the Department of State, was also at WCCCD, holding office hours to talk with constituents and listen to their ideas and concerns.


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