Improving access to branch office services

For many Michiganians, Secretary of State branch offices provide a crucial access point to state government.  Most citizens register to vote at their local branch office, while at the same time accessing many other state services, including license testing and renewal.   Having visited many branch offices around the state of Michigan, talking to customers and meeting with many branch office employees, it is clear that the following changes are needed to ensure better branch office access and service:

Credit Cards.  I have heard countless stories of citizens waiting in line for an hour or more, or traveling a significant distance, only to be turned away because they want to pay with a credit card and are unable to do so.  We will work to renegotiate agreements with credit card companies to enable more branch offices to accept credit cards from customers.

Creation of “one stop service centers” through partnerships with other state offices. It is clear that we need structural reforms to our state government.  I hope that through partnering with other state agencies, we will be able to consolidate our services and offices.  This would save money through cuts in costs of operating multiple state offices, while also enabling “one stop shopping” for many various state government services.

Address the negative impact of recent branch office closings throughout Michigan. With income levels falling and unemployment on the rise, we are all being asked to cut corners during this difficult economic time.  Under my leadership, the Secretary of State’s office will work to develop solutions and partnerships with local businesses to provide access to services that were cut during recent branch office closings.