Looking forward to 2015

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson wishes all Michigan families a happy holiday season and a healthy and prosperous New Year. In 2015 and during her second term, Johnson and her team at the Department of State will continue doing their part to keep Michigan moving forward in the areas of customer service, election integrity, consumer protection and organ donation.

Johnson names Alan Kimichik
to head anti-fraud efforts at SOS

LANSING, Mich. – Secretary of State Ruth Johnson has announced that Al Kimichik has been hired as the department’s senior investigative executive, a new position responsible for preventing, detecting and helping prosecute fraud cases.

The new position is part of Johnson’s ongoing efforts to protect Michigan consumers and fight fraud. Kimichik began his duties Dec. 8.

Kimichik comes to the Secretary of State’s Office with more than 25 years of investigative and law enforcement experience from the Michigan Department of Human Services, where he served as inspector general since 2002. As inspector general, he assisted the department in maintaining the integrity and accountability of its programs by, among other efforts, developing fraud prevention programs that use data analytics and fraud detection training for the field staff. As inspector general at DHS, he also developed and implemented FEE, a statewide fraud detection and prevention program for public assistance programs, that resulted in $240 million in cost avoidance and taxpayer savings over the past three years.  “Al is an accomplished fraud-buster and we are fortunate to have him on our team,” Johnson said. “His expertise in uncovering and thwarting illegal activity will further strengthen our efforts to crack down on scam artists who target consumers.” Kimichik will oversee and help implement a plan Johnson announced in October to fight fraud. The new measures include: A comprehensive review of the department’s processes, technology and structure to determine how best to detect and deter fraud. Data analysis to identify signs in transactions that may indicate fraud. Expanding the verification of the thousands of insurance certificates the department receives from customers daily. An upgrade in case management software to give department investigators the best tools for tracking down fraudulent activity. A roundtable discussion with business leaders about fraud to seek their advice and ensure the department is following best practices. “I’m pleased for this opportunity to continue serving the interests of the people of Michigan in an investigative role with the Department of State,” Kimichik said. “Secretary Johnson has put fraud perpetrators on notice and I want to underscore her message to them that we will not tolerate fraudulent activity against the department or its customers and will aggressively investigate and prosecute those attempting to commit such acts.”

SOS offices closed;
ExpressSOS open 24/7

Secretary Johnson reminds residents that all Secretary of State offices will be closed in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

The closures are: Wednesday, Dec. 24, and Thursday, Dec. 25, for Christmas; Wednesday, Dec. 31, and Thursday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s.

Most people renewing license plates, driver’s licenses and ID cards can do business online at ExpressSOS.com or by mail. Easy to follow instructions can be found with the renewal notice. Additional services can be done online as well.

License plate tabs can be renewed at Self-Service Stations, many of which are available around the clock.

A Pure Michigan
last-minute gift idea

For those looking for a creative and uniquely Michigan gift this holiday season that the recipient can enjoy year-round, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson suggests buying one of the state’s many university or special cause license plates – or a personalized plate with their own configuration.

“Michigan has nearly 30 university and fundraising license plates available to choose from – all of which benefit good causes in our state,” Johnson said. “You can also give someone the gift of a personalized plate and the opportunity to be creative.”

University and other fundraising plates are $35, with $25 of the price going to the school or charitable organization. The cost of renewing the plate is $10, which goes entirely to the institution, on top of the registration fee. Collector versions of the plates with the word SAMPL on them may also be ordered for display purposes, not registration.

Click here to see all of the different license plates Michigan offers.