When the governor’s high-tech chief, Michael Locatis, revealed this past week that Colorado has wasted up to $300 million in the last few years on computer systems that don’t work, there was a collective cringe in the room.
Feel free to let out your own groan.
It’s a sad state of affairs for this cash-strapped state.
The failures range from an employment benefits system in the Department of Labor to a welfare benefits system in the Department of Human Services, a paycheck system in the Department of Transportation, an auto registration system in the Department of Revenue and an electronic voter records system in the Secretary of State’s office.
Gov. Bill Ritter says he’s determined to prevent future high-tech fiascos by bringing the state’s technology operations into the 21st century. Such a plan is way overdue.
Ritter says that when he became governor in January, every state department was operating in an “IT silo.” Major systems weren’t connected, and were underperforming.
If approved by the legislature, Ritter will consolidate the government’s technology operations under his Office of Information Technology. He also is creating a state “Innovation Council,” made up of some of the brightest high-tech minds in Colorado. The council, all volunteers, will advise the IT office, develop a strategy for expanding broadband, especially in rural areas, and further develop the state’s technology sector.
While the welfare computer system will not be restarted from scratch, most of the others will be.
Ritter’s plans are critical, not only so state government runs efficiently but so Colorado can compete in a fast-changing world. Locatis believes that while the plan won’t recoup the losses, it will save the state money in the long run through greater efficiency. We’re all for that.
