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Newsletter Archives > State & Local Week in Review - Issue 1, 2/12/08
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Congress passes stimulus bill and sends to Bush (without aid to states and locals)

Source: Boston Globe


The Senate did not include the Rockefeller amendment, which was supported by the National Governor's Association and included $12 billion in block grants and Medicaid assistance to the states. » Read Article

"Keep in mind that relief for the states and localities was delivered late (2003) in the last recession.  If states begin making serious cuts to federal relief programs, Congress will revisit this issue." -Chris Dixon, Manager, State & Local Industry Analysis

 

Alaska Web Site Offers Transparency

Source: NPR


The government in Alaska launched a web site this week listing every state expense of more than $1,000. » Read Article

"With the launch of Checkbook Online, Alaska joins several other states in a national transparency trend that allows citizens to views state financial information. Vendors should use these sites to better understand state spending on information technology." -Schalene Dagutis , Vice President, State & Local Information Services

 

Crist's $70B Proposal Relies on Slots, Lottery, Reserve Cash

Source: Orlando Sentinel


With Florida in its worst revenue slump in decades, Gov Charlie Crist unveiled a $70 billion state budget Thursday that relies heavily on reserves and gambling money to pay for services next year. » Read Article

"Though facing a severe revenue shortfall, Crist’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2009, which begins on July 1, contains several new technology initiatives, including $3 million for a new web-based tutoring system for public school students, $2 million for a requirements study to replace the 30-year-old Unemployment Compensation system, and several others." -Schalene Dagutis , Vice President, State & Local Information Services

 

Bush Administration Brags About Broadband; Critics Scoff

Source: Broadcasting & Cable


The Bush administration and its critics can’t agree on whether "availability" or "adoption" is the more important indicator. » Read Article

"State and local governments provide many "population sensitive" services--that is, demand for the service (e.g., schooling, licensing, traffic management) goes up as population grows.  The potential for states and localities to reduce the cost of providing these types of services depends on wide take-up of e-government…and pervasive broadband access." -Chris Dixon, Manager, State & Local Industry Analysis

 

Accessible eLearning: School for Deaf Deploys D2L

Source: The Journal


Washington state’s School for the Deaf aims to provide distance learning tools statewide. » Read Article

In terms of "population sensitive" services, educating special needs children is the most cost-intensive aspect of K-12 learning--especially in rural and small town school districts. Will the kids have adequate Internet access? Can their families afford it?  Probably not at the rate the state would like." -Chris Dixon, Manager, State & Local Industry Analysis