State & Local Weekly News Wrap-Up

By Timothy Brett posted May 08,2012 12:22 PM

Like

MULTI-STATE

South Carolina and Rhode Island are looking at ways to restructure their state governments. Both states are considering elimination of state administrative offices, and would put that authority within the Governor’s purview. Rhode Island’s Chief Auditor has already resigned in the wake of the action in that state. Chief Auditor H. Chris Der Vartanian has resigned after 21-years in state government, citing a move by Governor Chaffee to end the bureau of audits and move the functions into a new office. Funding for the bureau was cut as part of budget negotiations in the state. The functions would be merged into other existing administrative offices, effectively ending the watchdog aspect of the bureau. In South Carolina, Republican lawmakers there are proposing an amendment that would eliminate the Budget and Control Board and create a new Department of Administration. The new department would effectively bring 90% of the state’s administrative duties under control of the Governor. The bill is part of a broader administrative overhaul being pursued by the majority republican state government to bring the number of agencies down to 10. RI & SC look at restructuring state government, eliminating offices

PENNSYLVANIA

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has signed an executive order to establish an Open Data policy, which will provide increased access and will enhance the transparency of City data sets. The Executive Order creates a Chief Data Officer position, which will oversee and enforce the Open Data Policy and will report to the Chief Information Officer. Philadelphia residents will also be given the opportunity to participate in city agency decisions through an open government portal. The open data policy will put city data online. Citizens will also be able to provide feedback and assessments of the data sets provided through the open government portal. “Transparency is a cornerstone of good governance, and it is vital for the City to be open and available to our citizens,” said Mayor Nutter.“ The Open Data policy furthers many of the policies and initiatives already put in place by the City.” The Executive Order also established an Open Data Working Group which will be tasked with enhancing internal transparency, accountability, participation and collaboration through the Open Data policy and will develop the Open Government Portal. One the first round of policies are implemented the Mayor will appoint a Data Governance Advisory Board to oversee the ongoing implementation of Open Data initiatives. Philadelpha establishes open data policy, creates chief data officer role

VIRGINIA

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has adopted a $6.7 billion budget that increases spending on schools and compensation for county employees. The Washington Post reports that the board voted Tuesday for the 2013 budget that includes general fund spending of $3.5 billion. The board also agreed to raise the property tax rate by half a cent. It will also increase the storm-water service fee by half a cent. Schools will receive $1.85 billion, more than 52% of the general fund. The budget also includes $16.5 million to restore longevity steps and merit raises for county employees, as well as a 2% pay increase granted last year. Fairfax County adopts $6.7 billion fiscal 2013 budget that increases spending on schools

CONTRACTING/ACQUISITION

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has awarded CGI Group Inc. a seven-year, $52 million contract to replace the bureau's current claims and billing systems. Under the award, which includes an initial two-year performance period and seven one-year renewal options, CGI will deliver a new integrated technology solution for claims, policy management and billing. CGI will replace the bureau’s aging application portfolio, disparate systems and limited automation with a modern, integrated technology with enterprisewide functionality, including user self-service, collaboration and notification tools, and reporting to better support the bureau's constituents, a May 2 company announcement said. CGI builds better billing system for buckeye state

0 comments

3 views

Blogs