Rep. Pettalia offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 14.  

            A resolution to urge all Michigan executive departments to provide paper options for submitting forms and documents.

            Whereas, Advancements in technology and information management systems, and the widespread availability of technology and connectivity at home, have transformed our day-to-day lives. More and more, the use and availability of these technologies is causing a shift in the status quo from paper document-based systems to electronic document-based systems. Electronic document systems create better efficiencies, reduce overhead costs, improve processing times, produce more consistent products and services, and lead to more integrated operations; and

            Whereas, Michigan, as well as the federal government and many local and state governments, are modernizing their services by transitioning to electronic-based information management systems. Recently, for example, the federal government finished transitioning from paper-based benefit program payments, like Social Security and veterans' benefits, to electronic deposits. Additionally, benefit and claim applications across the nation are transitioning to electronic submittals. In Michigan, Governor Snyder has worked to transition executive agencies to paperless document systems, and many executive agencies are working to fully eliminate the paper option; and

            Whereas, Fully transitioning all government options to a paperless system may provide some benefits, but it also negatively impacts numerous Michiganders who lack the technology, accessibility, and knowledge needed to access these forms online. This is especially burdensome for Upper Peninsula and other rural residents without in-home service who may not have easily accessible public computer access or high-speed, in-home Internet. Even in our state's large metropolitan areas—Detroit and Grand Rapids—not all residents have computers at home, and there are even fewer homes with high-speed Internet. In these cities, about 90 percent of area homes have computers, with 75 and 80 percent of homes having high-speed Internet in Detroit and Grand Rapids, respectively. Moreover, even when high-speed Internet is available, it comes at a cost, creating additional barriers between Michiganders and their government; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge all Michigan executive departments to provide paper options for submitting forms and documents; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Governor.