Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is asking state lawmakers to use 2018 as an opportunity to do away with driver responsibility fees. The fees are charged to drivers on top of their normal fines when they commit offenses like drunk driving or reckless driving. They were created in 2003 to fill a budget hole, but many drivers, especially those with low incomes, have lost their licenses and jobs due to being unable to pay them. Secretary of State spokesperson Fred Woodhams spoke with WSJM News about Ruth Johnson’s position on the issue.
“The House has passed a package and the Senate has passed a package, and now, we’re waiting a deal to be reached between the two chambers, and to send legislation on to the governor for his signature,” Woodhams said.
Secretary of State Johnson opposed the creation of the fees when she was in the state legislature back in 2003. More than 300,000 Michiganders collectively owe more than $600 million in those fees.
