2/4: States face challenge of IT improvements

Stateline: A look at how states are dealing with IT improvements

Improving Information Technology systems at the state level is an issue facing most states these days. But many can't afford to update them, due to pressing budget problems. Some states have systems that are more than 30 years old and written in outdated computer code. Then there's the problem of slow computer networks, prone to crashes and agency incompatibility.

In Virginia, officials are a year behind on creating a new multi-agency IT infrastructure. It has suffered repeated network interruptions, adding to the cost of the five-year, $2.4 billion project.

However, in Georgia, revamping the IT structure seems to be on course. So far, the $1.2 billion, eight-year contract with IBM and AT&T has hit all of its deadlines with little difficulty. The vendors have successfully taken over the state’s IT infrastructure and are now in the process of consolidating all agencies into a single statewide system.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Editorial: Alabama needs water-saving strategy

ARKANSAS: State under hazardous weather warning today and Friday

FLORIDA: Opinion: Florida, we have a problem

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue pushes conservation measures for long-term water savings

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear urges Pres. Obama to help protect coal states

LOUISIANA: State to privatize prisoner medications

MISSISSIPPI: State House votes to sell the state's private jet

NORTH CAROLINA: Settlement on "road to nowhere" to cost feds $52 million

SOUTH CAROLINA: Senate approves photo ID requirement for voting

TENNESSEE: State law protects elderly and disabled from abuse

VIRGINIA: State AG wants more outpatient treatment for mentally ill

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

1/28: Pres. Obama announces high-speed rail projects

New York Times: President Obama announces high-speed rail projects

Today, President Obama visited Florida to announce an investment of $8 billion for high-speed rail projects, the first of several initiatives to boost job growth across the country.

“One in 10 Americans is out of jobs,” Mr. Obama said. “That’s why creating jobs has to be our No. 1 priority in 2010.”

Mr. Obama and Vice President Biden were in Florida to announce the projects and the high-speed rail could run from Tampa to Orlando.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Senate panel approves Alabama constitutional convention

ARKANSAS: Crop loss in 2009 estimated at $397 million

GEORGIA: Legislators offer to take six more furlough days

KENTUCKY: State's stimulus Web site, Kentucky at Work, ranked No. 2 nationally

LOUISIANA: State Board of Regents to cut 28 programs to save money

MISSISSIPPI: House approves restoration of $100 million of budget cuts

NORTH CAROLINA: $545 million allocated for high-speed rail in NC

SOUTH CAROLINA: Photo ID vote could affect 178,000 South Carolinians

TENNESSEE: Senate rejects Gov. Bredesen's veto on menu labeling

VIRGINIA: Gov. McDonnell gives GOP response to State of the Union address

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org