SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Massive state budget challenges won't stop California government from pressing ahead on a number of ambitious technology initiatives, according to Teri Takai, the state's CIO.

"It's easy to say we should wait until things are better. My view is exactly opposite," Takai said Thursday at Government Technology's Conference on California's Future. "We want to continue to lead the nation in how technology is used. We're not just responding to a crisis. We're developing an IT program that will shape our future."

Takai's remarks came the same day California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger offered two proposals for dealing with the state's projected budget shortfall -- which ranges from $15.4 billion to more than $21 billion, depending on how voters decide a series of ballot measures on May 19. Schwarzenegger's plans include as much as $9 billion in budget cuts and could include layoffs for 5,000 state workers.

Takai contended that IT excellence is crucial in the current environment, given technology's importance to government efficiency and service delivery, as well as the central role it plays in California's economy. She pointed to a series of technology initiatives related to four major themes: environmental sustainability, transparency, broadband Internet access and meeting citizen expectations.

Video: Teri Takai discusses the future of California IT.

Getting Greener

Takai said the state will inventory existing computer equipment to evaluate its energy efficiency and take steps to ensure that old devices are replaced with environmentally friendly models.

The state's technology operations must become more environmentally responsible, Takai said. "The EPA says 2 percent of greenhouse gas emission comes from information technology. That's the same amount as the entire aviation industry. We are the fastest-growing sector of greenhouse gas emissions. If we want IT to sustain its relevance, we need to do our share."

Takai said improving energy efficiency will be done in concert with efforts to modernize California's outdated technology infrastructure. "The good news is the things that support green also support our efforts to become more robust and secure. We need to incorporate green into these strategies."

Digital Literacy

The state also will step up efforts to prepare citizens for success in the digital economy. Schwarzenegger intends to sign an executive order promoting digital literacy within two weeks, Takai said. And the CIO's office is launching efforts to assess statewide broadband Internet connectivity, with the intention of strengthening access in unserved and underserved areas.

Furthermore, Takai and Chief Information Security Officer Mark Weatherford are working with the state Department of Personnel Administration on the security policies and communications infrastructure needed to let state employees work from home or other remote locations.

Organized for the Future

California state lawmakers accepted a sweeping technology consolidation plan May 10 designed to cut technology costs and help the state deploy newer, more effective IT systems.

Under the plan, Takai's Office of the Chief Information Officer will absorb and oversee the state's Department of Technology Services - which currently manages two of California's largest data centers -- as well as the Office of Information Security and Privacy Protection and the Department of General Services' telecommunications division, which manages 911 call centers and public safety radio.

On Thursday, Takai said the consolidation plan -- along with a new strategic technology plan and capital planning process -- would be key to California's ability to innovate despite the economic turmoil.

"We have now organized for the future by bringing together statewide organizations that belong together," Takai said. "It's time to be brave, and it's time to make our vision a reality."