We are now but a few weeks away from the November elections. From a state perspective, the 2010 election represents perhaps the most daunting level of leadership changes ever experienced at one time. This creates significant opportunities, but also some risks and uncertainties. As has been widely reported, there are an unprecedented 37 contested governors [...]
Following the 2000 presidential elections and the Supreme Court case Gore v. Bush, national and global attention was fixed upon the state of US voting technology, or lack thereof. “The punch cards and ‘hanging chads’ created an awareness that the foundation of our democracy was jeopardized by out of date technology and systems,” says Bryan [...]
A campaign to position Montana as a regional hub for start-up businesses was launched last week, with target industries ranging from clean technology and bioscience to aerospace and IT. The state’s fiscal standing and limited taxation climate is ideal for young professionals and entrepreneurs, said Even Barrett, Chief Business Development Officer.
18 Illinois school districts will get a more than $270 million funding boost to expand their schools and add much needed classroom space. Chicago Public Schools will also get more than $54 million for the same work. The funding comes from the “Illinois Jobs Now!” program which fosters job growth throughout the state. In total, [...]
According to a report released earlier this month, failure of the federal government to agree on energy efficiency standards has not stymied states from moving ahead on their own. The 2010 State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, released by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), found budgets remain strong for energy efficiency initiatives, nearly doubling [...]
Wyoming will be streamlining its communications technology services through Google within the next year according to an announcement from the state CIO. Wyoming will be utilizing Google apps for all communications and communication security. The switch is notable as one of the fastest procurement processes the state has ever experienced. Currently, Wyoming has two separate [...]
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear has directed the state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet to partner with the Kentucky Coal Association in suing the Environmental Protection Agency. In a federal lawsuit filed yesterday, the state is challenging the EPA’s rules, guidance and oversight of coal mining permits under the Clean Water Act (CWA).
The Florida Agency for Workforce Innovation has signed a $20 million deal with HP Enterprise Services to build a computer system for the state’s pre-kindergarden and school readiness programs. The new system will enable data sharing between educators, parents, providers and state agencies, the company said, as well as streamline administrative functions of state programs.
According to a survey from IDC Energy Insights, the growing wave of data being generated by transmission and distribution sensors in smart grid projects is being underutilized. The report says less than half of the world’s top twenty utilities and retail energy providers are leveraging the data generated by their smart grid technologies through analytics [...]
Connecticut is partnering with Nissan to further the adoption of electric cars in the state. The Governor has signed a collaborative agreement with Nissan for the LEAF the company’s electric car. The Nissan LEAF goes on sale in limited markets in December and will be available nationwide some time in 2011.
