[CTRL] Mich. Sues the Federal Government

[Foxter]

AP National Mich. Sues the Federal Government http://www.newsday.com/ap/text/national/ap646.htm LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- The secretary of state sued the federal government Thursday for requiring Michigan residents to give Social Security numbers to get or renew their driver's licenses. States are required to collect the numbers from licensed drivers to help track deadbeat parents. Secretary of State Candice Miller said the requirement violates the privacy of Michigan's 6.9 million licensed drivers. ''I will not sit idly by while residents' privacy is invaded by an intrusive, ineffective and unfunded mandate,'' Miller said. Michigan is the only state not complying with the requirement that took effect in October, said Pam Carter of the U.S. Health Department. The state could lose about $900 million annually in federal money if it fails to comply with the requirement. But Miller said the lawsuit will not hurt the state's federal money. Michigan already has a database system more efficient and effective than one that would use Social Security numbers, the lawsuit says. Gov. John Engler does not support Miller's lawsuit, spokesman John Truscott said. ---------- AP-NY-01-05-01 0023EST<  01/05/2001 You can send letters of support to encourage Michigan's Secretary of State Candice S. Miller to:   Candice S. Miller Secretary of State 430 W. Allegan Lansing, MI 48918 Telephone: (517) 373-2510 FAX: (517) 373-0727