Jesse White - Illinois Secretary of State

Third Term Accomplishments

White Initiates Landmark Law to Save Lives of Teen Drivers
Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 16 to 20.  While this group comprises 6.3 percent of the driving population, it accounts for 12.6 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes.

To address this serious problem, Jesse White established in 2006 the Teen Driver Safety Task Force, comprising national and Illinois traffic safety experts as well as members of the legislature, judiciary and victim advocates.  The recommendations of the task force led to a new law law (PA 95-0310) that gives Illinois one of the strongest teen driver safety programs in the nation.

National and state traffic safety organizations have lauded White's efforts as a means to reduce fatal crashes involving teen drivers.  Teen fatal crashes dropped by over 40 percent in 2008 after the first full year of the new law.

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, based in Washington, D.C., have called Illinois' new GDL program the best in the country.

The new law contains the following nine provisions:

• Triples the permit phase from three to nine months.
• Changes the nighttime driving restriction from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from midnight to 11 p.m. on weekends.  Also extends the nighttime restriction to include 17-year-olds.  Allows exemptions for work and school-sanctioned activities.
• Doubles the period - from six to 12 months - that restricts a new driver to a maximum of one unrelated teen passenger.  Allows an exemption for siblings.
• Requires student drivers to complete a minimum of six hours of actual, on-the-street driving with a certified driver education instructor.
• Implements a true GDL system that requires new drivers to earn their way from one stage to the next.
• Requires drivers under age 18 who are ticketed for traffic violations to appear before a judge with a parent or guardian to receive court supervision.  Requires the attendance of traffic school as a requisite for court supervision for drivers under age 21.
• Allows for ticketing passengers ages 15 to 20 that violate the passenger restriction law.
• Establishes a stricter law in which the driver's license of those under age 21 would be suspended for each additional conviction following a driver's initial suspension for two moving violations in a 24-month period.
• Establishes tough, new penalties that include license revocation and vehicle impoundment for drivers involved in street racing.

White Partners with MADD to Combat Drunk Driving
White initiated Senate Bill 300, a model approach to combat drunk driving that the national president of MADD called, "One of the most important pieces of DUI legislation passed in Illinois in several years...Illinois continues to raise the bar for other states."  All first-time DUI offenders who wish to obtain driving relief during the period of statutory summary suspension must now install on their vehicle a breath alcohol ignition interlock device (BAIID).  New Mexico implemented a similar law two years ago and experienced in the first year a 12 percent reduction in alcohol-related fatalities.  Studies show BAIIDs are effective in reducing subsequent offenses by up to 90 percent while on the vehicle.

llinois' Organ/Tissue Donor program leads the nation
Jesse White initiated legislation that established a new First-Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry that makes a person's decision to donate legally binding.  Previously an individual's organs and tissues could not be donated without the consent of the person's next of kin.  It is estimated that this new law could save at least 100 additional lives each year.  Illinois has the largest Organ/Tissue Donor Registry in the nation with over 6.3 million registered donors.

White Initiates Legislation to Help Parents Ensure their Teens are Safe Drivers
Jesse White initiated legislation (Public Act 95-0201) that allows parents online access to view their teens' (under age 18) driving record for free and gives parents an additional tool to help ensure their teens are safe and responsible drivers.  White's office has worked to develop tight security features that will safeguard the privacy of teens by ensuring only their parents or approved guardians will be able to gain online access to their driving records.

White Incorporates State-of-the-Art Security Features in New DL and ID Card
Jesse White's office designed new state drivers' licenses and identification (ID) cards with enhanced security features.  The new design incorporates multiple layers of security, as well as an inventory control mechanism that ensures Illinois drivers' licenses and ID cards will remain among the most secure in the nation.

These security features work in tandem to further protect Illinois drivers' licenses and ID cards from fraud and counterfeiting.  As identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, these important security enhancements offer extra precautions to protect Illinois citizens. 

White Cracks Down on Chronic Abusers of Disability Plates
Jesse White initiated legislation (PA 95-0430) that targets those who continually abuse disability parking placards and license plates.  The new law increases fines to $750 for second offenses and $1,000 for third offenses.  It also clarifies that the authorized holder of the placard must be present - placards are not transferable.

Protecting the Integrity of Special License Plates Designed for Military Service Personnel
White initiated legislation (PA 95-0291) that makes it a crime to falsify one's military service in order to receive special license plates designated for military service personnel.  Those who are found guilty face a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a minimum fine of $1,000.  The funds collected from the fines will be deposited into the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund.

White Enhances Online Services for Businesses
Secretary White used automation to improve services to the business community.  The Business Services site on www.CyberdriveIllinois.com can now accept online transactions for Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings and searches, Certificates of Good Standing for corporations with limited liability companies, and filings of Annual Reports for corporations and limited liability companies.  Within the last year, the website has seen an exponential increase in online filings.  Over 50 percent of all UCC transactions are now filed online, and more than 80 percent of Certificates of Good Standing are purchased through the Web site. 

In addition, businesses now have the opportunity to incorporate or form a limited liability company (LLC) within 24 hours via the Internet.

White's Office Successfully Administers Business Tax Amnesty Program, Yielding Over $20 Million for State
White's office collected more than $20.7 million in Corporate Franchise Taxes that were past due to the State of Illinois.  Over 1,300 corporations have participated in the six-week long amnesty program, which was established by the Illinois General Assembly and ended March 17, 2008.  Even after the deadline the office continued to work with those corporations that filed their amnesty paperwork in a timely manner and, as a result, the amount collected continued to rise dramatically. 

White Strengthens CDL Licensing Policy for Out-of-State CDL Holders Seeking Illinois CDLs
White announced that effective May 1, 2008 out-of-state CDL holders moving to Illinois must take and pass the written and road tests before they are issued an Illinois CDL.  Illinois is the first state in the nation to require these tests for licensed CDL holders moving from another state.  This policy change has received praise from law enforcement and trucking industry representatives. 

White Initiates License Plate Recycling Program
Secretary of State Jesse White initiated a license plate recycling program that allows motorists to recycle their expired and obsolete license plates at vehicle facilities statewide.  The program reduces energy usage as well as air and water pollution.

All 136 facilities are equipped with License Plate Recycling Bins, as well as posters that highlight the program.  Currently license plates are made of recycled aluminum, but prior to 2004 the plates were made of galvanized steel, both of which can be recycled.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, the recycling bin program guards against the misuse of old plates that are not properly discarded. The Secretary of State's office uses a large shredding device at the Springfield warehouse to destroy the plates and then recycle them.

The license plate recycling program is one of the latest efforts to make Illinois' license plate program more environmentally friendly. Other efforts to "go green" in the office include using recycled packaging for license plates, recycled paper envelopes for renewals and adding language to the new plate production contract requiring all new plates to contain recycled aluminum when possible.

Distracted Driving Task Force
White's legislation to strengthen the laws on distracted driving was approved by the General Assembly.  The bill now moves to the governor's office for his approval.

House Bills 71 bans text messaging while driving.  HB 72 bans cell phone use while driving in school or construction zones.  The legislation is based on recommendations made by the state's Distracted Driving Task Force, which was chaired by White.

White Wins International Award for Website
Secretary White was honored by the International Association of Commercial Administrators (IACA) with an Award of Merit for his Business Services site on the www.CyberdriveIllinois.com website.  The award recognized the web site for its overall appearance, round-the-clock accessibility, user-friendly design, and compliance with ADA standards.

White Receives National Award Recognizing Efforts on Teen Driver Safety
Secretary White was honored with a Public Service Award from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the leadership role his office has played to strengthen Illinois' graduated driver licensing (GDL) program and reduce teen driving crashes and fatalities.  The coveted award is recognition that White's office is doing everything it can to reduce teen driver deaths and injuries.

White Receives Prestigious Library Award
Secretary White received the prestigious Robert R. McClarren Legislative Development Award from the Illinois Library Association (ILA) for his support of libraries and his development of innovative programs benefiting libraries during nine years as State Librarian.

Other Awards

• National Safety Council Award (for leadership on teen driver safety)
• Illinois Traffic Safety Leaders (ITSL) Joann Blair Leadership Award (for leadership on teen driver safety)
• 2 Bronze Telly Awards (for Game Over - a Rules of the Road video for teens)
• 2 Bronze Telly Awards (for Danger Zone - school bus safety video
• AAMVA Region III Award (for Danger Zone - school bus safety video)
• AAMVA Region III award and AAMVA International Award (for Organ Donor Newsletter)

Second Term Accomplishments

White Strengthens Inspector General's Office
As part of his continuing efforts to root out corruption and restore integrity in the Secretary of State's Office, Jesse White successfully pushed for a new law to make the position of Inspector General permanent with broader powers to root out corruption. In addition to establishing a code of conduct for employees, and appointing former US Attorney Jim Burn to serve as Inspector General, Secretary White's actions now ensure the office will always have a permanent, qualified Inspector General in place to protect public safety.

White Establishes First Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry
Secretary of State Jesse White initiated legislation that established a new First-Person Consent Organ/Tissue Donor Registry that makes a person's decision to donate legally binding. Previously an individual's organs and tissues could not be donated without the consent of the person's next of kin. It is estimated that this new law could save at least 100 additional lives each year. Illinois has the largest Organ and Tissue Donor Registry in the nation with over 6 million registered donors and this law is expected to expand the registry even more.

White Limits Court Supervisions
In his ongoing effort to make roads safer, Secretary White spearheaded a new law that limits drivers to two court supervisions for moving violations in a 12-month period. Any other moving violation a driver is found guilty of during that time frame would result in a conviction reported to the individual's permanent driving record. White pushed for the change in law because some dangerous drivers were abusing the court supervision process to avoid losing their driving privileges. White found some drivers that had been granted court supervision more than a dozen times in a single year.

White Increase Penalties For Disability Parking Violations
Secretary of State Jesse White initiated legislation that increases penalties for disability parking violations. The new law increases fines up to $500 and allows the Secretary of State to suspend driver's licenses. White has taken a proactive approach to catching violators of the new law by conducting "sting" operations throughout the state.

White Takes Steps to Prevent Identity Theft
Secretary White, in an ongoing effort to prevent identity theft for Illinois driver's license and identification holders, has begun using Social Security On-Line Verification (SSOLV) and the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements Program (SAVE) for Illinois drivers. Through those program the office is able to verify the identity of drivers before a driver's license or identification card is issued to them.

White Unveils New Under 21 Driver's License
In an effort to prevent under age drinking and fraud, Secretary White has unveiled a new driver's license design for people under the age of 21 that will be more difficult to alter. With it's dramatically different vertical layout the new design will be easier to identify and will be harder to manipulate. This new design is just one more step taken by the Secretary of State's Office to stop underage drinking and to help save lives.

White Increases State Capitol Complex Security
Secretary of State Jesse White has increased security throughout the State Capitol Complex with a new Department of Capitol Police and electronic screening equipment. The new provisions will provide additional protection for all who visit the State Capitol and work in the building throughout the complex.

White Strengthens CDL Testing
In an effort to keep our roadways safe, Secretary White implemented a new policy that requires all commercial drivers in Illinois to take their written exams on automated testing machines that scramble the questions. The new testing machines, which have been installed at 20 regional CDL facilities throughout the state, eliminate the possibility of cheating and ensure that only those who are truly qualified become licensed. This is a continuation of improvements that would make Illinois' CDL program under White one of the best in the nation, according to the US Department of Transportation.

White Provides Dealer Direct Access
Under the leadership of Secretary White, a pilot program was initiated to allow licensed automobile dealers to order new license plates and vehicle registrations for new automobile owners at the time of purchase. This project allows new vehicle owners to immediately purchase and display their Illinois license plates at the time they take possession of a vehicle rather than waiting for paperwork to be completed and license plates to be mailed.

White Complies with Hazardous Materials Endorsement Background Checks
Secretary White worked to ensure that his office was able to assist the federal government with new security measures at the least inconvenience to Illinois truck drivers and trucking companies. New federal regulations required all state's to fingerprint commercial drivers who haul hazardous materials in order for the Transportation Security Administration to conduct threat assessments.

White Targets New Law At Bribers
Jesse White initiated a new law to suspend driving privileges for people who attempt to bribe driving examiners. The new law also extends criminal felony provision for bribes involving driving examiners to include commercial driving schools and trucking companies who provide third party testing.

White Wins Award For Traffic Safety Video
Secretary White continues to be an outspoken advocate of traffic safety in the areas of alcohol awareness and deterrence, bicycle and pedestrian safety and school bus safety. During his second term, Secretary White has produced four public service announcements for television, two bicycle safety videos and an alcohol deterrence video for teenagers entitled the Faces of DUI. The Faces of DUI video was the recipient of a Telly Award for outstanding local, regional and cable program as well as an award from the American Association of Motor Vehicles Administrators (AAMVA) Region III.

White Cracks Down on Fake ID's
Under the direction of Jesse White, the Secretary of State Police are battling underage drinking through the Cops in Shop Program. Individuals who are caught under this program have their driver's license suspended for one year, in addition to court fines and penalties. From 2001 to 2003, 992 people have been caught presenting false identification statewide.

White Launches CreditSafe Tool for Young People
Secretary of State Jesse White launched a new program designed to teach the safe and responsible use of credit cards to young people and adults in Illinois through this website. The online game is an interactive teaching tool that helps students understand credit and how it affects their personal finances.

White Offers Digital Talking Book Program
Secretary White announced in 2003 that Illinois would participate in a multi-state pilot project that offers the visually impaired and physically challenged talking books to accommodate their literacy needs. This program provided individuals who have temporary or permanent physical or visual inability a free handheld MP-3 type player loaded with a digital audio book, headphones, an instructions sheet and an evaluations survey. Previously readers with disabilities were given books on cassette. The new digital books allow users to access more modern and convenient technology.

White Automates Driver Education "Blue Slip"
Secretary White's office automated the driver education certificate of completion process also know as the "blue slip." With the elimination of paper certificates, student-drivers may learn of their successful completion of the driver education process within 48 hours instead of weeks.

White Publishes Disability Parking Guide for Medical Professionals
In an effort to reduce fraudulent use of parking placards and disability license plates, Secretary of State Jesse White produced a new guide for medical professionals on the provisions of the program so they can ensure patients meet eligibility requirements before they are approved for a placard or disability license plates.

First Term Accomplishments

White Strengthens Inspector General's Office
Secretary White restored integrity to the office he inherited under a cloud of corruption. He named former a U.S. Attorney, Jim Burns, as his Inspector General and gave him all the resources necessary to root out corruption including and increased staff of experienced, professional investigators.

White Issues New Design License Plates
In his first term, Secretary of State Jesse White provided Illinois motorists with new-design license plates for the first time in nearly 20 years. Secretary White completed the state's largest replating operation in record time by streamlining the process and installing a new 21st century order management system. He also allowed Illinois citizens to choose the design of the license plate for the first time in history and created an online license plate renewal option.

White Creates New Temporary Registration Permits
In 2001, Secretary White created a new Temporary Registration Permit (TRP) that provided law enforcement officials with instant vehicle registration information just like regular license plates. The new TRP, the first of its kind in the nation, was also designed to reduce fraud to further assist law enforcement officials.

White Installs Automated Testing Machines in Driver Services Facilities
As a means to reduce cheating and improve highway safety, Secretary White began installing automated written testing equipment in Driver Services Facilities. The system has proven to reduce applicant cheating as well as improve customer service.

White Adds Online Services To Website
The Secretary of State's web site reflects Jesse White's customer-friendly, business-minded attitude. Under Secretary White's direction, motorists were given the opportunity to renew their vehicle registrations and Safe Driver driver's licenses online. All business forms can now be filled in and printed out from the web, and numerous publications on various topics are being added every day. The web site's design stands out as one of the more pleasing, user-friendly, in state government.

White Establishes Court Supervision Database
Shortly after he was elected Secretary of State, White initiated a new law that requires court systems in every county to report court supervisions to his office. He fought for the change in law following a catastrophic train wreck that was caused by a truck driver with multiple traffic violations. Because the driver had received court supervisions for violations in different counties, the records were not shared by the courts. The new reporting system provides judges and prosecutors with full records on all drivers who appear for traffic violations.

White Convenes Highway Safety 2000 Advisory Panel
Secretary of State Jesse White established the Highway Safety 2000 Advisory Panel to improve traffic and truck safety on Illinois roadways. With the insight of the prestigious panel, White implemented more than a dozen new laws and regulations to give Illinois some of the toughest testing and training requirements for commercial truck drivers in the United States.

White Initiates Landmark Laws To Combat Repeat DUI Offenders and Suspended Drivers
Jesse White established a comprehensive new law targeting some of the states most dangerous drivers and chronic offenders. The new law set tough new penalties for repeat DUI offenders, drivers who register at double the legal limit or drive drunk with a child in the vehicle, and people who continue to drive on suspended or revoked licenses. The new law provides tough new penalties with mandatory minimum sentencing requirements, including jail time, and the possible impoundment of vehicles.

White Expands the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Program
Secretary White recognizes the importance of the BAIID device as a traffic safety measure. He has expanded the program substantially, requiring all repeat DUI offenders to use the devices and he established procedures to monitor users more closely.

White Improves Disabled Parking Placards to Combat Fraud
Secretary White initiated legislation to crack down on the abuse of disabled parking placards and license plates. He also established a new disability parking division in the office and redesigned disability parking placards to reduce tampering and fraud.

White Establishes Project Next Generation
In his role as state librarian, Secretary White created a statewide mentoring program called Project Next Generation, a library-based initiative that seeks to provide Illinois teenagers with a combination of technology and essential life skills. The program supplies public libraries with grants to purchase new computers and technology as well as hire mentors to work with sixth through ninth grade students. The program has expanded over the years as public libraries are proving to be the perfect environment for such interaction to take place.

White Creates New School Bus Safety Program
Secretary White created a mascot named Toby Tire to educate kids about school bus safety. Toby Tire is a large robotic tire with arms and eyes capable of movement and speech in a life-like manner that captivates the attention of young children. The goal of Toby Tire is to educate children on school bus safety and prevent school bus accidents. Toby Tire travels extensively around the state in an effort to teach children safety techniques when taking a bus to and from school. The program also offers to children Toby Tire coloring books, videotapes and a storybook to reiterate Toby's message of school bus safety.

White Increases Organ/Tissue Donor Registry
Under Secretary White's leadership, the Illinois organ donor registry has grown substantially and is the largest registry in the nation. Moreover, since Secretary White took office, the number of lives saved has increased annually to over 850 per year - marking a 20 percent increase from 1998. Much of the success of this program is attributed to the comprehensive public awareness and advertising campaigns spearheaded by the Secretary of State's office.

White Launches Organ Donation License Plate
Chicago Bear great Walter Payton's struggle with rare liver cancer helped increase public attention on organ donation. In honor of Mr. Payton, and to continue raising public awareness of the critical need for organ and tissue donors, Secretary White has created the new Organ Donor License Plate, featuring the Chicago Bears' navy and orange colors and the familiar organ donor "Life Goes On" symbol. By purchasing a set of Organ Donor License Plates, Illinois residents can help fund organ donor awareness efforts across the state.

White Wins Case Against State of Oklahoma Over Trucking Registration Scheme
Through the watchful eye of his auditors, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White uncovered a scam and successfully sued the state of Oklahoma for allowing out-of-state trucking companies to improperly register there and report false mileage estimates that cheated Illinois and other states out of millions of dollars. After a three-year battle with the state of Oklahoma over registration fees for interstate trucks, the Secretary of State's Office was awarded $6.3 million by the International Registration Plan Dispute Resolution Committee.

White Unveils Long Range Plan to Improve Services
In 2001, Secretary White proposed a 3-year plan to reduce lines at Drivers' Service Facilities. The plan outlined new, aggressive solutions to improve customer service including opening additional facilities in high population growth metropolitan areas, automated self-service machines, additional Internet transactions, and expanded hours of service.

White Establishes Penny Severns Scholarship Fund
In honor of the late State Senator Penny Severns, Secretary White and Southern Illinois University pledged to secure funding for an endowed scholarship in the senator's name. The Penny Severns Scholarship Fund will not only preserve the legacy of a distinguished and beloved public servant, but it will also help to make the dreams of young people come true.

White Assists Victims of Violence
Secretary White's new "Assistance for Victims of Violence" project is a cooperative effort coordinated by the Court of Claims with the State Library, the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Under this innovative program, librarians are taught how to turn libraries into a community resource and safe place for crime victims. Librarians learn how to give crime victims help and referrals to domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers, and compensation for medical, counseling and other expenses.

White Helps Establish Emergency Fund for Crime Victims
Secretary White, the Court of Claims and the Illinois Attorney General succeeded in passing legislation that creates a fund to provide eligible crime victims with up to $2,000 out of the potential $27,000 award to cover emergency needs. Emergency funds are disbursed by the department within 24 to 48 hours of application and approval by the court. While most awards move very swiftly, the emergency award provisions provide quick help in dire circumstances.

White Improves Compensation for Illinois Crime Victims
The Illinois Court of Claims is the sole Illinois Court with jurisdiction in all lawsuits against the State of Illinois and for compensation under the Illinois Crime Victim's Compensation Act. When Secretary White took office, the Court of Claims department had almost 16,000 open cases. Under Secretary White, the number of cases pending resolution has decreased to approximately 5,000. The time span from filing to resolution also has dramatically decreased. Crime victim cases which previously would take almost four to five months are now being decided and vouchered, through a new paperless vouchering system put in place in January 2002, in approximately 60 days.

White Helps Libraries in Impoverished Communities Obtain Computers
As the State Librarian, Secretary White's goal is to provide top-notch library and literacy services to all Illinois residents. However, he recognized that in order to fulfill this goal, communities that are economically impoverished must first be given the necessary tools. That's why he applied for and received grants through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help Illinois public libraries serving communities of over 10 percent poverty obtain donated computers, computer installation, software and technical support.

White Opens New Building for Talking Book and Braille Service
Under the administration of Secretary White, the regional library for Illinois residents who are print disabled moved to a newly renovated facility in Springfield that includes an onsite browsing room containing a collection of audio cassettes, braille books, descriptive videos and a computer center featuring assistive technology devices to help library clients use computers. The Illinois State Library Talking Book and Braille Service is a free mail order public library that allows readers to use the postal service to borrow books of their choice. Readers can order books by calling a reader advisor at one of the six subregional libraries, through the mail or directly over the Internet by visiting the Talking Book and Braille section of the library web site.

White Combats Securities Fraud
Each year the Secretary's Enforcement Division investigates over 1,000 cases involving possible fraud. Under Secretary White, the division has successfully processed numerous cases that resulted in monies returned to investors and penalties assessed against violators. Among the most notable was a civil judgement of more than $4.8 million in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The case involved investors - mostly senior citizens - who had placed their money in fraudulent limited partnerships. In addition, the office amended the Illinois Securities Act to include stronger investor protection provisions, and the Securities Department continues its vigorous audit program that examines brokerage firms to ensure compliance with the laws.

White Provides Investor Education
Secretary White created the Investor Education Division under the Department of Securities because the educated investor is truly the best defense against fraud. This division conducts free seminars about investing, and has developed a program on financial literacy targeting students.

White Hosts Illinois Capitol Forum
Secretary White serves as co-sponsor with Brown University and the Illinois Humanities Council of the innovative Capitol Forum educational program. Capitol Forum engages high school students in consideration and debate over the role of the United States in the international community. Following classroom preparations, the students meet in the State Capitol to debate with other students from across Illinois and meet with business and legislative leaders. Illinois is one of only a handful of states chosen to participate in the joint effort. Under Secretary White's leadership, the Capitol Forum program has tripled in size as 20 Illinois high schools and approximately 150 students and teachers now participate in the event.

White Improves Business Services
Secretary White implemented a document management and storage system in the Office's Department of Business Services. The new system has improved customer service in terms of accessibility and response time. White also upgraded and expedited services offered to Limited Liability Companies and Uniform Limited Partnerships, establishing a new program for 24-hour turn-around time on these business filings.

White Makes Archives More Accessible
Under Secretary White's leadership, the Archives department has added a number of new databases to its web site, including the Illinois Marriage Index with more than two million names. A total of 36 indexes can now be accessed on the web site. Spurred in large measure by the placement of the Marriage Index on-line, the number of reference requests made on Archives rose from 893,266 in 1998 to almost eight and a half million in 2001, a 900% increase in three years.

White Improves Computer Infrastructure and Processing Speed
To improve processing speed and increase memory storage capacity, the office completed a massive conversion of mainframe applications to a new platform. Moreover, the computer infrastructure in Drivers' Service Facilities throughout the state has been upgraded. With faster and more powerful computers at their disposal, Secretary of State employees can more efficiently process drivers' licenses and vehicle registrations.