MONTGOMERY – Two bills that streamline the state’s IT functions passed the Alabama Senate today. The proposals are part of the Legislature’s 2013 agenda aimed at reducing the size and cost of state government and could potentially save $30 to $60 million a year.
Senate Bills 116 and 117, sponsored by Senator Phil Williams (R-Gadsden), establish the Alabama Technology Authority for the delivery of state IT services and create a cabinet-level IT secretary to coordinate the efforts.
“When it comes to the state’s IT functions and resources, we are operating in a very compartmentalized fashion, with each state agency essentially having their own separate IT department,” Williams said. “Establishing a centralized authority will provide the necessary infrastructure to ensure we’re providing quality IT services to state users and taking advantage of savings opportunities when it comes to purchasing hardware and software.”
Williams noted that the state currently has two separate IT service providers, one for General Fund agencies and another, the Supercomputer Authority, for agencies funded by the Education Trust Fund.
“The Alabama Supercomputer Authority has proven to be a model for efficiency and effectiveness, largely because it’s accountable to its clients through an independent oversight board,” Williams said. “This legislation would establish a similar model for the separate authority servicing General Fund agencies.”
The proposal to establish a cabinet-level IT official would provide an oversight and accountability function similar to the vast majority states around the country. Williams added that the cabinet-level position is designed to advise the Governor on IT matters and to communicate and coordinate with all state agencies on IT strategy.
“Alabama is one of only a handful of states in the nation that doesn’t have a cabinet-level IT official,” Williams said. “As the state operations become more and more dependent upon technology, it’s imperative that we have someone to hold accountable for making sure we’re doing operating in the most efficient and responsible manner.”
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