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Secretary of State announces a chance for people to get their driver's licenses back

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks on the porch of the Grand Hotel on Wednesday.
Dale G. Young/Crain's Detroit Business
Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson speaks on the porch of the Grand Hotel on Wednesday.

Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced an expansion of a program to give people a chance to get their driver’s licenses back, today. ‘Road to Restoration’ works as a public/private partnership to pay off fines keeping people from having a valid driver’s license.

At a news conference on Mackinac Island, Benson highlighted the restoration program in Lansing.

“Often court fees and fines are the only thing standing in the way of a Michigander getting their license back and when partners commit to paying those fees like Mayor shore of City of Lansing did it significantly increases the number of people who can get their licenses restored” said Benson.

The state is hosting several license restoration clinics across the state. It’s estimated 5,200 people have had their licenses restored in the past year. About 150,000 residents are eligible.

Russ McNamara is a reporter and host of All Things Considered for 101.9 WDET, presenting local news to the station’s loyal listeners.