"Information technology plays a critical role in the work of state government," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "Technology is helping us streamline government and we are doing more and more to use technology to address our economic and budget challenges to provide improved service to our citizens."
"This plan sets the direction and focus for our department for the next five years and we think it can have a positive impact on growing Michigan's economy, keeping Michigan at the forefront when it comes to government technology," said Teri Takai, Director of MDIT.
The plan includes specific initiatives and projects that IT leaders in state government will pursue in the next three to five years.
Some highlights include:
- Working hard to maintain security so that citizen data and personal information is protected and secure from outside attempts to steal or compromise the data.
- Providing more and more state services online -- now more than 170 total services -- so that citizens and businesses can complete their transactions with the state electronically rather than standing in line.
- Partnering with local agencies and big business to bring technology to all corners of the state, helping build Web sites for local townships and bringing the Internet to those that don't have it.
- Providing a statewide radio communications system that will allow all jurisdictions (local, state, and federal) to communicate effectively during emergency situations.
The State of Michigan consolidated all of its information technology functions into one department in 2002, positioning the state as one of the few in the country that has a centralized approach to technology.
"Having a centralized and consolidated technology environment in Michigan makes implementation of a strategic plan much more feasible," said Ken Theis, Chief Deputy Director for MDIT. "We are in a good position to leverage technology in a way that can bring easier and faster service to our citizens."
