house resolution no.115
Reps. Carra, Beeler, Wozniak, Bezotte, Outman, Marino and Green offered the following resolution:
Whereas, Government shutdowns have upended nearly every aspect of services provided by Michigan government. The disruption of the shut downs and the closing of Secretary of State branch offices for extended periods of time in 2020 created a backlog of customers in need of licensing and registration services that cannot be met through the online portal; and
Whereas, When the Secretary of State branch offices reopened to the public, an appointment-only system was put in place. Many customers struggle to get timely appointments, finding that the only availability is weeks or months away. Customers needing branch services more quickly continue to drive long distances to locations with open appointments; and
Whereas, The Secretary of State announced that its branch offices will not return to the walk-in system where customers take a number and wait. Normal operations going forward will be the appointment-only system; and
Whereas, Life happens quickly, and individuals may need services provided by the Secretary of State more quickly than the appointment-only system is providing, the services offered by the Secretary of State are essential to everyday life and Michiganders should be able to receive services and resolve issues at their local branch office in a timely manner, regardless of the appointment-only structure; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Secretary of State to guarantee at least one available appointment within two business days and three available appointments within 10 business days if the Department moves to an appointment-only structure; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor and the Secretary of State.