Bill Text: MI SR0124 | 2009-2010 | 95th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to urge the Secretary of State to reconsider and reverse the decision to close the branch office located in Temperance.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 3-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2010-03-04 - Referred To Committee On Local, Urban And State Affairs [SR0124 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2009-SR0124-Introduced.html
Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:
Senate Resolution No. 124.
A resolution to urge the Secretary of State to reconsider and reverse the decision to close the branch office located in Temperance.
Whereas, As our state copes with some of the most severe and sustained financial challenges it has faced in many decades, public and private offices are doing all they can to cut costs in a manner that is least harmful to customers. This process is sometimes made more difficult for government services that people are required by law to utilize but are unavailable elsewhere; and
Whereas, The decision by the Secretary of State to close the department's branch office in Temperance has generated a strong reaction from citizens in that area of Monroe County. This move would represent a serious inconvenience for a large number of citizens in a community that is itself a significant population center. With approximately 50,000 people in Bedford Township and the surrounding areas, many customers would have to drive 15 to 30 miles one way to use the nearest Secretary of State branch in the city of Monroe. In considering this fact, it is also appropriate to acknowledge that this inconvenience, in both time and cost for individuals, will be felt disproportionately by senior citizens who are less likely to be able to utilize online services; and
Whereas, The Temperance branch office of the Secretary of State also serves as an anchor that benefits local businesses in the community. It is significant to note that the economic activity generated by people conducting business at the Temperance branch represents spending that could well take place across the state border in Toledo, Ohio, if the office were closed. In light of the economic challenges facing Michigan, all efforts should be made to support businesses in our state; and
Whereas, In any move to consolidate state offices for the purpose of saving public money, there should also be no doubt that the move will be certain to save enough money to justify the change and outweigh all other considerations. There are many in Bedford Township who question what financial gain would be achieved by the closing of the branch office at Temperance, especially in light of the clear costs in money and inconvenience that would be borne by area citizens; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the Secretary of State to reconsider and reverse the decision to close the branch office located in Temperance; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Secretary of State.
