Utah Gov. Olene Walker recently recognized the state's 2004 Governor's Chief Information Officer Award winners for outstanding accomplishments in e-government initiatives by state agencies, local government agencies and private sector partners.

"We are 'working smarter' by continuing to transform government services to 24/7 e-government for citizens and businesses," said Walker. "We are using technology to make government more accessible and convenient for citizens, and we are also making it easier and more efficient for businesses to work with government."

These services and many more can be accessed from the state's homepage.

This year's Chief Information Officer Award winners follow below, by category.

Digital Democracy

Office of Legislative Research and General Council -- online tracking of legislation

During the 2004 legislative session, 693 bills and resolutions were drafted, amended, substituted and voted on. Tracking the progress and changes of proposed legislation can be overwhelming. The online tracking application made that a more manageable task for everyone.

Customizing Payment Services for Businesses and Citizens

Utah Tax Commission -- TaxExpress and PaymentExpress

For individuals filing their Utah income tax, TaxExpress is one of the easiest ways available, and it is absolutely free. In 2003, the service was expanded to allow more taxpayers to use this service. About half of those who have to file a state income tax return qualify to use TaxExpress. Refunds through the TaxExpress system usually arrive in days, rather than weeks. But, TaxExpress isn't just for refund returns. Citizens can use TaxExpress even if they owe taxes by choosing the payment method that works best for them.

For other tax payments, the Utah Tax Commission provides PaymentExpress, which allows Utahns to pay taxes online in four steps. Taxpayers can pay tax liabilities from a variety of payment documents such as returns, billing notices and payment agreements; there are 26 types of taxes that can be paid.

Public/Private Partnership to Increase Access to Government

Information Technology Services, Dept. of Administrative Services and Utah Interactive, Inc. -- 24/7 Live Online Help and Utah.gov

Utah raised the bar among states by providing 24/7 live online help on Utah.gov, the state's Web site. Because of features like 24/7 live help and a redesign of Utah.gov, Utah was awarded first place in Best of the Web by the Center for Digital Government. Utah.gov provides easy access and easy navigation to services and information from state agencies.

Outstanding Customer Service

Office of Vital Records and Statistics, Department of Health -- Secure Internet Link for Vital Records (SILVER)

Citizens can go online to order certified copies of records of birth, death, marriage or divorce using the services provided by the Office of Vital Records and Statistics. The order is made across a secure connection to protect required information. This online service is not only convenient, but it also saves time; customers receive their order in two days rather than two weeks.

Outstanding Online Application for Service to Business

Division of Corporations and Commercial Code, Dept. of Commerce -- online uniform commercial code filing

The Utah Division of Corporation and Commercial Code is a filing office for Utah's business and financial community. UCC filing online ensures proper recording of debtors, secured parties and collateral description in "real time." Secured parties can enter the information directly into the database anytime they want.

Leveraging a National Solution

Division of Parks and Recreation, Dept. of Natural Resources -- online reservation system

Utahns can now make camping reservations for state parks online. Interactive maps allow customers to select parks and campsites easily, any