State Government
When AI becomes the first interpreter, government needs a new information layer
COMMENTARY | Government information is always available. The question is whether it can be consistently understood in the systems that increasingly deliver it.
America’s data center backlash is bipartisan — can it stay that way?
As opposition mounts, some experts wonder how long AI infrastructure can steer clear of the partisanship that defines U.S. politics.
Former New Jersey official argues AI could strengthen, not weaken, democratic institutions
Beth Simone Noveck, a former top AI official in New Jersey, recently released a new book that explains how the technology can help government work better and restore trust in it.
The workforce cliff: What happens when the last IBM i engineer retires from government
COMMENTARY | Many agencies still rely on mainframes, which are built on programming languages kept alive by a shrinking group of late-career specialists. This creates operational and cybersecurity risks.
It was a pretty good year for regulating AI in New York
State lawmakers passed a variety of artificial intelligence guidelines before the end of the legislative session.
More states restrict 3D-printed firearms
At least six states this year have outlawed or imposed regulations on such guns.
Report shows steady, yet uneven, AI adoption across US
Microsoft said the lag can be attributed to urban adoption being double what it is in rural areas, though college towns are another powerful diffuser of the technology.
States are moving fast on AI. Now, we must measure what matters
COMMENTARY | Several are already charting a path forward on how to use the technology, but few have built the systems needed to measure its long-term impact.
States have more than one option for 2027 benefits verification — but may not know it
COMMENTARY | Agencies must take an approach designed for adaptability to help manage changing requirements, keep costs under control and improve outcomes.
More states look to preempt local AI laws, report finds
The Local Solutions Support Center found that a dozen bills in nine states look to limit local regulations and promote a so-called “right to compute,” backed by a powerful conservative group.
Featured eBooks
How a data center derailed $240,000 for affordable housing in rural Maine
In rural Midcoast Maine, nearly a quarter of a million dollars in federal money earmarked for housing was rescinded from a small town after local officials sought to use the funds for a data center.
State CIOs are more change leaders than techies, report says
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found its members are being asked to simultaneously keep systems running and innovate, with tech expertise far less important.
State cyber officials’ confidence is down, survey finds
The study by NASCIO and Deloitte found that just 26% of respondents are extremely or very confident they can protect themselves from cyber threats, down from 48% in 2022.
Future of Nebraska Broadband Office unclear following reduction in federal BEAD funds
Broadband Office director Patrick Haggerty steps down, as others work to secure $340 million in unallocated federal funds.
Government leaders see ‘momentum’ in agencies’ AI adoption
Speakers at the Google Cloud Next conference in Las Vegas last week said the shift from pilot programs to implementation has accelerated in the last year, and will keep doing so.
Government efficiency initiative hits Arizona
Amy Edwards Holmes, who will lead the state’s Capacity and Efficiency Initiative, said the effort will look to leverage tech and empower employees to save $100 million in three years.
Connecting learners and employers requires more than just good technology. It needs real leadership.
COMMENTARY | Talent marketplaces help support skills-based hiring, but states need to do more than turn to tech platforms and merge data if they are to be successful.
State privacy officers persist despite limited resources, report finds
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers found the role exists in more than 30 states and plays a crucial role, but it too often lacks funding or clear authority.
Getting privacy policy right in a competitive digital economy
COMMENTARY | Many states have already shown the path forward with common elements that protect consumers while at the same time not crushing small businesses with onerous compliance costs.
Fewer phones and more books — Utah governor commends new education laws
A bell-to-bell cellphone ban and an early literacy plan were among Spencer Cox’s priorities this year, while other new laws may help take students’ attention away from social media.
