Helping Michigan families in need

SOS Johnson, AG Schuette kick off annual Harvest Gathering food drive

Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson encourages people across the state to be a part of the 24th Annual Michigan Harvest Gathering food drive this year.

Johnson and Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, along with other partners, promoted the start of the campaign from the steps of the State Capitol on Sept. 18. Schuette and his wife co-founded the annual effort in 1991.

Johnson praised Secretary of State staff for making the food drive so successful every year. “We have families in this state who need help and our employees are working hard to help them by collecting non-perishable food items and donations,” Johnson said. “And Michiganians, who are caring and generous, always respond. It’s no surprise that the people of this state will help when they can.” In the past four years alone, more than 26 tons of food donations have been collected at Secretary of State branch offices during the Harvest Gathering campaign, which runs through Nov. 26 this year. In Michigan, 17 percent of households struggle to put food on the table, according to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. During the announcement, Johnson and Schuette were joined by Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Chief Deputy Director Gordon Wenk, the Michigan Health and Hospital Association Executive Vice President David Seaman, Food Bank Council of Michigan Board Chair Kenneth Estelle and Walmart West Lansing Store Manager Dawn Nolan. More

Johnson's anti-fraud task force issues recommendations to protect consumers

A task force launched by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson to fight auto insurance scams has released its recommendations, which include proposals to streamline prosecution of offenders, assist law enforcement in verifying insurance during traffic stops and crack down on unlicensed insurance agents.

Johnson, along with her partners in the effort, formally received the recommendations Sept. 17 and commended the work of the Fighting Auto Insurance Rip-offs (FAIR) Task Force.

“These proposals are the tools needed to help stop criminals who are preying on unsuspecting Michigan drivers and help reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road – something we all pay for,” said Johnson. “One of the biggest benefits of this effort is that we’re seeing more cooperation, more communication than ever before on a problem that must be addressed. I’ve been honored to fight for Michigan drivers and will continue to do everything I can to make sure that criminals can’t take advantage of them.”

The Task Force included representatives from the Secretary of State’s Office, the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services, insurance industry leaders and prosecutors. Recommendations range from administrative changes to potential legislative solutions and strengthening partnerships. They include: Intra-agency sharing of data, improved communication. Additional fraud detection training for police and Secretary of State staff. Improved technology for data analysis and tracking. Johnson announced the creation of the independent panel last year after supporting a change in law, which required all insurance companies to send electronic insurance verification to her office twice a month, helped expose a significant amount of invalid insurance. A one-day snapshot in July 2013 found more than 16 percent of insurance certificates presented that day were invalid or fraudulent. The issue was not an urban one, with fakes and forgeries turning up in more than half of Michigan’s 83 counties. More

Customers continue to praise MI-TIME Line

The positive feedback continues to roll in from customers who have used MI-TIME Line, the new line management system being piloted in our 10 largest SOS offices.

MI-TIME Line lets you get in line online and then go do what you want to do. The system texts or calls you when it's almost your turn.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," wrote one customer. "The new line service is off the hook. Text messages are perfect for stepping out briefly and knowing when to get back."

Another customer came to the SOS to renew his license and became a fan of MI-TIME Line after it allowed him to do some grocery shopping while waiting.

New option for Driver Responsibility Fees

Secretary of State Johnson applauded Gov. Rick Snyder's Sept. 23 signing of legislation to give drivers the option to use community service as a way to pay for Driver Responsibility Fees starting in January.

"I support giving hardworking Michigan families the option to invest in their communities through volunteering as a way of addressing costly Driver Responsibility Fees," she said. “This is a common-sense option that addresses a double penalty for drivers who already have to pay fines, court costs and, often, higher insurance rates for violations.”

Johnson voted against the creation of the fees in 2003 when she served in the Michigan House. She has worked to see them reduced and in 2012 supported the repeal of $150 and $200 Driver Responsibility Fees for minor violations.

Veterans can get help

Michigan has a new resource for veterans. The Michigan Veteran Resource Service Center (MVRSC) was announced by Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency Director Jeff Barnes and Gov. Rick Snyder on Sept. 24.

The MVRSC gives veterans and their families one-stop, 24/7 access to federal benefit programs, state services and local resources. The number to call is 1-800-MICH-VET or 1-800-642-4838.

In another effort, the American Legion Department of Michigan is hosting a VA Benefits Crisis Center at its fall conference Sept. 26-27 at the Muskegon Holiday Inn. Veterans and family members are invited to attend and have their questions answered about benefits or claims with the Veterans Administration.

Secretary Johnson also reminds veterans that Michigan now offers a veteran designation on driver's licenses and ID cards that is intended to help them get the services and benefits they earned and deserve.