Successful public-private partnership helps Michiganders regain driving privileges
Secretary Benson banner
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
March 21, 2024
Contact: Cheri Hardmon
(517) 643-7236
*Department of State and partners launch third year of driver’s license restoration program with clinic in Saginaw *
""Successful public-private partnership helps Michiganders regain driving privileges""
*SAGINAW, Mich. *– The Michigan Department of State (MDOS), Michigan Department of Attorney General, and partners at DTE Energy, Miller Canfield, Detroit Justice Center, Michigan Association of United Ways, and Michigan 2-1-1, kicked off the third year of the successful Road to Restoration [ [link removed] ] program Wednesday with a clinic in Saginaw.
Nearly 250 people visited the first Road to Restoration clinic of 2024 at the SVRC Marketplace. The statewide series of clinics helps Michiganders learn the steps they need to take to safely get back behind the wheel.
“Since 2021, our Road to Restoration program has been meeting Michiganders where they are, giving them the one-on-one help they need and a plan of action to safely regain their driver’s license," said* Secretary Benson*. “The clinic in Saginaw kicks off what’s sure to be another successful year of this innovative partnership and I continue to be inspired by the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners who are changing people’s lives for the better.”
“It’s simple: licensed drivers are safer drivers, and improved access to transportation helps families, businesses, and communities thrive,” said *Attorney General Dana Nesse**l**.* “I’m proud of the work we’ve done on behalf of Michigan residents through the Road to Restoration program, and I look forward to seeing what more can be accomplished in the third year of this successful partnership.”
“The Detroit Justice Center supports this collaboration as the clinics offer solutions for ‘real life’ legal issues with the one-on-one personal review of an attendee’s driving record safely and confidentially,” said *Rubina Mustafa, Detroit Justice Center senior staff attorney*. “After each discussion, clinic participants learn the steps they must take and what to expect along their journey engaging with government agencies. This work is deeply rewarding as it alleviates the driver’s confusion and frustration, which is well worth the hard work and preparation that the clinics entail.”
We are honored to continue our support of the Road to Restoration clinics throughout the state of Michigan,” said *Wendy Richards, Miller Canfield Detroit Office director and pro bono counsel*. “Miller Canfield and our friends in the legal community are committed to using our unique skills as attorneys to give back to the communities where we live and work. The Road to Restoration initiative provides a wonderful opportunity for our lawyers to serve in a personal and meaningful way.”
“Transportation is a major obstacle for members in our community to be fully plugged in to life. The Road to Restoration clinic offers an approachable, navigable solution for residents restoring their driving privileges, which, more broadly, assures their pursuit of a thriving life,” said *Audra Davis, president/CEO United Way for Saginaw County.*
“The 70th District Court is participating in the Road to Restoration clinic to help our Saginaw County residents navigate their license restoration journey,” said* Linda James, court administrator 70**th** District Court, Saginaw County.* “This is our third year joining the Michigan Department of State and Road to Restoration partners to bring a one-stop solution to the people of our area.”
In 2023, more than 3,000 Michigan residents were served at 17 clinics across the state. At each clinic, residents meet one-on-one with expert MDOS staff and volunteer attorneys to learn how to get their driving privileges restored and complete as many steps possible on site. While residents may be required to pay past fines, the expertise is provided free of charge.
Additional clinics in 2024 are scheduled for Monroe, Muskegon, Flint, Detroit, Battle Creek, Marquette, Houghton, and Kalamazoo.
For more information about the program, to find a clinic near you, or to sign up for an upcoming clinic, visit Michigan.gov/R2R [ [link removed] ] or dial 2-1-1.
Space for clinics may be limited and *pre-registration is strongly recommended*. The clinics *do not provide* DUI expungement services and license reinstatement is not guaranteed.
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MDOS Deputy Legal Director Khyla D. Craine is interviewed by NBC25
MDOS Deputy Legal Director Khyla D. Crane is interviewed by local media at the Road to Restoration clinic in Saginaw.
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Participants fill out paperwork at Road to Restoration Clinic in Saginaw
Participants fill out paperwork at the Road to Restoration clinic in Saginaw.
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MDOS staff assist participants at Road to Restoration clinic in Saginaw
MDOS staff members assist participants at the first Road to Restoration clinic of 2024, held at Saginaw's SVRC Marketplace.
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Robert Hughes of Saginaw
Robert Hughes of Saginaw was one of the visitor's to Wednesday's Road to Restoration clinic.
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