Michigan #1 in Nation for Digital Governmen

Press Release

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that Michigan leads the nation in the use of information technology (IT) to transform and improve government. Michigan was one of only two states to receive "A" grades in the 2010 Digital States Survey conducted by the Center for Digital Government in conjunction with Government Technology magazine. The survey, conducted every two years, is the nation's most recognized and respected study of information technology in all 50 states.

"We've used technology to both streamline government and improve the way government services are delivered to Michigan citizens," Granholm said. "We've improved online services for citizens seeking assistance with Medicaid and unemployment benefits, cut IT costs by consolidating essential functions, and engaged citizens with state government through social networks like Twitter and Facebook - and more. Our top grade in this survey of all the states is proof that we have been more successful than any other state when it comes to transforming government through technology."

The 2010 Digital States Survey is the nation's original and only sustaining survey of state governments' use of technology in serving citizens. Utah is the only other state to receive an "A" grade in the 2010 ranking. Throughout Governor Granholm's terms in office, Michigan has been a national leader in using information technology to improve services for citizens, placing first-in-the-nation in 2004 and 2006 and second in the nation in 2008.

"Michigan's first place finish provides external validation that what we've done with technology in state government has worked," said Ken Theis, director of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget and the CIO for the State of Michigan. "Our list of successes and accomplishments is long, and I feel good about how we have positioned technology as a key driver in state government."

The 2010 Digital States Survey results can be found at: http://www.govtech.com/enterprise-technology/50-State-Report.html Follow Governor Granholm on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/govgranholm and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jennifergranholm .

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