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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Nov. 17, 2023

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

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Secretary of State hosts final Road to Restoration driver's license clinic of 2023 in Dearborn Heights

"Approximately 8,000 Michiganders have?visited the clinics across the state"

*DEARBORN HEIGHTS, Mich.-*?The Michigan Department of State (MDOS) joined partners at Hype Athletics in Dearborn Heights on Thursday for the final Road to Restoration driver?s license clinic of 2023. Expert staff and volunteer attorneys met one-on-one with nearly 500 visitors to the clinic, reviewed their driving record, and advised them on their next steps to get back behind the wheel.

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Since its launch in 2021, the Road to Restoration program has served approximately 8,000 Michiganders at 35 driver?s license clinics around the state.

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?At every one of our Road to Restoration clinics, Michiganders have enthusiastically embraced the help of our staff and volunteers to learn what it takes to get back to safe driving,? said* Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson*. ?A valid driver?s license is essential for people who need to be able to drive to work, to school, to medical appointments, and to meet their basic needs. The Road to Restoration program is a model of accessible state government that helps those who need our services the most and meets them where they are in their communities.???

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?The Road to Restoration clinics are critical in helping residents maintain gainful employment, take care of their families, and perform daily tasks that are all made infinitely harder without a drivers? license," said *Attorney General Dana Nessel.* "I am proud of the work of my Department, the Department of State and our partners that have provided this opportunity to so many residents in an accessible and meaningful way.?

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The Road to Restoration program was created after changes to state law in 2021 lifted suspensions for drivers who failed to pay tickets or court fines or failed to appear in court for certain non-moving and other violations. While?new laws removed suspensions for more than 150,000 Michiganders [ [link removed] ], many must still take further action to get their driver?s license restored.

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The collaborative program includes the Department of Attorney General, DTE Energy, Miller Canfield, Detroit Justice Center, the Michigan Association of United Ways, and Michigan 2-1-1. Community partners for today?s clinic included: United Way?for Southeastern Michigan, Canton Community Foundation.

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"While DTE saw a pattern of people being held back by driver's licensing issues, I've seen first-hand while volunteering at several Road to Restoration clinics how this barrier limits not just individuals, but entire families and communities,? said *JoAnn Ch?vez, DTE Energy senior vice president and chief legal officer*. ?This initiative simplifies an extraordinarily complex issue and process for clinic attendees who are our neighbors, friends, or family members -- great people who made a mistake years ago that grew too big to address on their own."

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"The Road to Restoration has rallied the best allies in government, community organizations, and the private sector to help our fellow Michiganders address a history of driving sanctions that many cannot overcome on their own,? said *Rubina S. Mustafa, Detroit Justice Center senior staff attorney*. ?Each person we serve validates the need that the license restoration clinics address as well as brings to life The Detroit Justice Center?s commitment to being a voice for those who feel left behind. Each person I speak with at the clinic reminds me of the historic injustices that have perpetuated inequity and poverty.? We?re excited to be part of today?s Road to Restoration clinic and to contribute to providing our Michigan residents a much needed first step to a better life."

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?It was an honor to host the Road to Restoration clinic at Hype Athletics,? said *Ali Sayed, CEO, HYPE Athletics Community and Recreation Center*. "Our organization is anchored in a 'partner or perish' philosophy, which rests in creating partnerships that deliver community-centric resources to address the needs of those we serve in tangible, impactful ways. The license restoration clinics are a great example of this work.?

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?United Way for Southeastern Michigan is proud to partner with the Secretary of State to support the Road to Restoration clinics,? said* Megan Thibos, director of community impact innovation*.? ?Transportation challenges are one of the largest barriers standing in the way of residents of Southeastern Michigan getting and keeping a job and accessing needed resources.?This partnership aligns with our work to break down those barriers and get more people back on the road to economic mobility.??

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The clinics do not provide DUI/OWI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.

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David Nelson of Detroit rings bell after his driver's license is restored

David Nelson of Detroit rings the bell after regaining his driver's license.

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Hype Athletics CEO Ali Sayed is interviewed by FOX 2

Hype Athletics CEO Ali Sayed is interviewed about the Road to Restoration clinic.

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Local participant rings bell after regaining driver's license

A local participant rings the bell after having his driver's license restored.

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Road to Restoration Clinic makes a stop in Dearborn Heights

Secretary of State mobile office.

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MDOS Deputy Legal Director Khyla D. Craine is interviewed by FOX 2 crew

MDOS Deputy Legal Director Khyla D. Craine is interviewed about the Road to Restoration clinic.

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