ITAA Praises Administration Budget for Innovation, Federal IT Measures

The Information Technology Association of America (ITAA)praised the President's FY 2008 budget proposal for increased spending on his American Competitiveness Initiative and a responsible increase in government IT funding. The Association said the budget was realistic in light of other priorities, but it did express concerns over the level of funding proposed for the Department of Homeland Security's cyber security efforts and a lack of funding for state implementation of new federal drivers' license standards.

"The President has proposed significant support for American innovation through increased spending on R&D, math and science education and government IT programs," said ITAA President and CEO Phil Bond. "These proposals are critical for our country's prosperity and our government's ability to serve the American people effectively and responsibly. We call upon Congress to support them."

The budget proposes increased funding for research and development across several agencies by 7.1 percent to $11.4 billion. It also calls for $365 million in new funding for math and science education to go to elementary and middle schools; adjunct teaching programs; and teacher training for advanced classes. Funding for IT programs across all departments and agencies would be increased 2.6 percent to $63.8 billion.

The Association expressed concern over the proposed $92.7 million funding level for DHS's National Cyber Security Division (NCSD). NCSD faces increased responsibilities associated with implementation of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan and related preparedness and response activities.

Bond said, "Its important for NCSD to have all of the resources it needs in light of the important work ahead."

Meanwhile, the budget proposes no funding for state implementation of federal drivers' license standards established in the REAL ID Act of 2005, which set out to make licenses harder to forge or falsely obtain. State governments are required to begin complying with the standards by May 2008. The federal government will not accept non-compliant licenses as proof of identity for air travel or other federally controlled activities.
"Without funding, we risk living with the same identification system that allowed terrorists to falsely obtain driver's licenses before they attacked on September 11th, 2001," Bond added.