The state of Michigan today joined with Google Inc. in announcing a new partnership to make it easier for citizens using search engines to find government programs and services they need, using the latest online technology. Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said that this partnership is another step forward in Michigan's partnership with Google.
The new technology, a tool known as the Sitemap protocol, enables search engines like Google to access and index the records in online databases, making them accessible in search results. For example, Michigan Education Assessment Program (MEAP) test scores for hundreds of schools spanning multiple years currently reside in over 25,000 documents. Sitemaps allow a user to find the results for the school name and test year, eliminating multiple clicks and search requests.
Michigan is the fifth state in the nation to collaborate with Google in providing the state with the information they need to enhance the search results for state government. California, Utah, Virginia, and Arizona are taking similar steps in ensuring easy access to government information.
Some of the state applications that will be affected include: child day care centers and homes, workers compensation appellate decisions, fish stocking, licensed nursery stock growers, licensed medical professionals, adequate yearly progress reports on education, Michigan school report cards, lane closures on Michigan roads, and unclaimed assets.