BOSTON (WWLP) – Early last month, the governor announced a wide-ranging bill addressing capital investments in information technology.
A hearing for the Future Technology Act was held on Tuesday, and the bill is a comprehensive IT plan totaling more than $1 billion that would ultimately modernize IT systems, over a five-year period, across the executive branch.
Representative Michael Finn of West Springfield began the hearing, and Secretary Jason Snyder of the Executive Office of Technology and Security Services was the first to testify.
The $1.23 billion plan seeks to facilitate access to government websites and services. Some of the spending measures include $110 million to support user experience across government agency websites, $30 million for municipal fiber networks, and $25 million for artificial intelligence projects.
Sen. Paul Mark of Pittsfield is vice chairman of the Senate Joint Committee that heard the bill. He believes making government accessible to the people of Western Massachusetts is critical.
“I think this bill is certainly necessary, and I think the governor is proposing a good investment in modernizing IT infrastructure. This is something that will involve state government, will cut across interfaces with the public, and will help municipalities as well, in western Massachusetts, which is especially important,” the senator said. Mark: “There's money here to help some municipalities finish some of their networks and finish building some fiber there, which is critical for people like me and people I represent.”
This comes at a time when the country is witnessing very slow revenue growth. However, management believes it is time to invest. Now that the bill has been heard before committee, it needs positive review to be sent to the Legislature.
Ellen Fleming is a reporter at the Boston State House and has been part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Ellen on X @Ellen Flame View her CV to see more of her work.
