This column originally appeared in Michigan Advance on Dec. 20, 2019.
We know how much the roads matter in Michigan. But how often do we think about sidewalks?
It may seem out of place to be talking about sidewalks in a column about driver’s licenses, the drivers who have them, our cars and our roads. But one particular component of a sidewalk (or should I say, missing from a sidewalk?) can help us think about the benefits of inclusive policies, such as allowing all Michigan residents—including undocumented immigrants and those who cannot prove their legal presence—the ability to obtain a driver’s license.
The sidewalk element I’m referring to is a curb cut. These small architectural additions create a more accessible sidewalk by removing part of the curb. Michigan’s own Kalamazoo is reportedly the first city to have installed “curb ramps” in 1945. Later championed nationally in the late 1960s and early 1970s by disability advocates in Berkeley, California, curb cuts benefit all pedestrians and those using the sidewalk: parents pushing strollers, runners, movers carrying heavy boxes and more.
As described by Angela Glover Blackwell, Founder in Residence of PolicyLink—a national research and action institute advancing racial and economic equity—curb cuts demonstrate how inclusive policies are not a zero-sum game. I can’t say it any better than Glover does here, with my emphasis added:
“There’s an ingrained societal suspicion that intentionally supporting one group hurts another. That equity is a zero-sum game. In fact, when the nation targets support where it is needed most—when we create the circumstances that allow those who have been left behind to participate and contribute fully—everyone wins. The corollary is also true: When we ignore the challenges faced by the most vulnerable among us, those challenges, magnified many times over, become a drag on economic growth, prosperity, and national well-being.”
Allowing all Michigan residents to obtain a driver’s license, regardless of the ability to prove one’s legal presence, is a perfect example of the “curb-cut effect”—that is, an inclusive policy designed to benefit one group that would benefit everyone.
In fact, this policy was already in effect in Michigan until 2008; in late 2007, Attorney General Mike Cox issued an opinion on the issue and the Michigan Legislature took action to codify this opinion into law. Legislation to reinstate this policy has been introduced: The Drive SAFE (Safety, Access, Freedom and the Economy) bills, introduced by Senators Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) and Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids), along with Representatives Alex Garza (D-Taylor) and Rachel Hood (D-Grand Rapids), would bring Michigan law up to speed with that of 14 other states that allow residents who meet all other requirements to obtain a driver’s license.
We know that the Drive SAFE bills will restore dignity to tens of thousands of residents in Michigan and return a right that previously existed, allowing them to accomplish everyday activities more easily and engage in Michigan’s economy without fear. Plus, we can also look at the additional benefits—including economic—to other residents of Michigan, including current citizens. The Michigan League for Public Policy has outlined these benefits and included more information on outcomes from other states with similar policies in a report called Taking Our Foot off the Brakes. Here are some highlights of providing driver’s licenses for all residents:
- Over the course of three years, 55,000 Michiganders would apply for a driver’s license, leading to 20,000 new vehicle purchases. These new licenses and vehicles would boost state revenue by $13.5 million and contribute $12 million in recurring revenue, $9 million of which would be from sales and gas taxes related to vehicle ownership. Over the course of 10 years, this policy would generate nearly $100 million for the state of Michigan. This means more revenue for programs and state-funded priorities we all care about and benefit from.
- To register a passenger vehicle in Michigan, one must have auto insurance. Roads are safer for everyone and accidents are resolved more smoothly when more drivers have passed a standardized driving test and are insured.
- Michiganders would see their annual auto insurance premiums go down by approximately $20, because when more drivers are insured, everyone’s cost of auto insurance decreases. Although this is a modest decrease, that is enough to pay for a car wash in the thick of Michigan winter or to keep a spare headlight in your car!
- Allowing undocumented immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses would support Michigan’s booming agricultural industry and other local economies. In addition, access to a driver’s license means access to amenities and opportunities beyond one’s immediate community, including new businesses and higher-paying jobs.
Reinstating the ability for all Michigan residents to apply for a driver’s license would not only have a profound impact on the undocumented community. Just as inclusive policies like curb cuts benefit all pedestrians and those using our sidewalks, not just individuals with disabilities, Drive SAFE would impact other Michiganders’ businesses, pocketbooks and safety. Other groups like the Michigan Education Association, Michigan Nurses Association, and the Oakland, Kalamazoo and Washtenaw county commissions recognize that, and the Michigan Legislature should, too. Greater dignity and identity for all, improved state revenue and increased local commerce are real changes policymakers should care about—not who it is waiting in line with us at the Secretary of State.
The Michigan League for Public Policy is a part of the Drive Michigan Forward coalition, which is made up of immigrants and their allies. Visit drivemichiganforward.com to learn more.
Jay Cutler joined the League in March 2026 as the Kids Count Senior Data Analyst, where he collects, analyzes, and prepares data for Kids Count in Michigan.
Danielle Taylor-Basemore joined the League as the Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator in June 2025. She brings with her five years of nonprofit experience with a special focus on community engagement, data visualization and strategic programming. Prior to joining the League, Danielle served as the Business District, Safety, and Digital Manager at Jefferson East, Inc.
Scott Preston is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy, where he leads the organization’s immigration and criminal justice reform portfolios. In the three years prior to joining the League, Scott facilitated the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative and managed a small business economic development program at Global Detroit. His work included launching Michigan’s first Refugee Film Festival and building on a trusted connector model that linked marginalized communities with crucial resources. Scott’s work at the League is informed by his background in journalism and research. He spent four years covering the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East for publications such as The Economist, and later worked with unaccompanied refugee minors through Samaritas. Scott holds a master’s degree in international migration and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kate Powers joined the League as the Chief Development Officer in February 2025. Prior to joining the League, Kate held leadership positions at many Michigan nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the COO and Chief Development Officer of Ele’s Place. Kate has spent the bulk of her career in fundraising, with a short stint in the state Legislature as a legislative aide to members in both chambers. Kate is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and has a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Additionally, Kate served on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and is a past President of the Junior League of Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and her son and saving outfit of the day and home decor ideas on Pinterest. 
Nicholas Hess joined the League as the Fiscal Policy Analyst in September of 2024. In this role, Nicholas focuses on tax policy, government revenue, and their impact on working families and racial equity, including the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Nicholas values the role that judicious fiscal policy can play in the improvement of people’s lives and the economy, alleviating inequities along the way.
Audrey Matusz joined the League as the Visual Communications Specialist in September 2024. She supports the team with implementing social media strategies and brainstorming creative ways to talk about public policy. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in producing digital products for evidence-based social justice initiatives. 
Jacob Kaplan 
Donald Stuckey 
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers. 
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
