NASCIO Advocates for the Importance of Information Technology

Feb 23, 2009, News Report

"I urge my state colleagues to read the NGA report to better understand the magnitude of our infrastructure challenges and consider both the need and unique opportunities for IT" -- Gopal Khanna, NASCIO president and Minnesota CIO (pictured).

At the 2009 National Governors Association (NGA) Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C, NGA Chair Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell released a report from his chair's initiative titled An Infrastructure Vision for the 21st Century. The report looks at how different infrastructure assets affect states' ability to compete globally and outlines the challenges facing states and the country as a whole. Innovative financing solutions and use of advanced technology to manage state infrastructure are included in the report.

As a strong advocate for infrastructure investment, Governor Rendell spoke with NASCIO and said "Information technology is an important element of our nation's infrastructure. IT connects education, transportation, health, public safety and social services. We are looking forward to working with NASCIO and the state CIOs to encourage enterprise approaches to accountability and transparency in providing government services."

"We are encouraged by the current discussions on investment in the nation's infrastructure." said Gopal Khanna, NASCIO president and the State of Minnesota CIO. "I urge my state colleagues to read the NGA report to better understand the magnitude of our infrastructure challenges and consider both the need and unique opportunities for IT."

NASCIO is the premier network and resource for state CIOs and a leading advocate for technology policy at all levels of government. NASCIO represents state chief information officers and information technology executives from the states, territories, and the District of Columbia.

The primary state government members are senior officials who have executive level and statewide responsibility for information technology leadership. State officials who are involved in agency level information technology management may participate as state members.

Representatives from other public sector and non-profit organizations may also participate as associate members. Private sector firms may join as corporate members and participate in the Corporate Leadership Council. For more information about NASCIO visit www.nascio.org.