Massachusetts Gov. Baker asks for $650 million for IT upgrades

Published: April 12, 2019

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Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker submitted legislation that would authorize over $650 million for new IT investments in the state.

According to a Press Release from the Massachusetts Executive Office for Administration and Finance, filed legislation authorizing more than $1.1 billion in capital funding for public safety and information technology investments. The majority of the proposed spending would IT infrastructure needs throughout the Commonwealth, but much would also be allocated to public safety, including police and fire services, as well as corrections.

The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security is prioritizing projects that would help fortify defenses against cyber threats, advance various strategic IT initiatives, modernize digital and telecommunications infrastructure, and improve user experience for interacting with the state government.

Specific IT authorizations in the bill include the following:

  • $195 million for improved constituent services, including systems related to health care, housing, education, employment assistance, public safety and emergency management, transportation and energy and environment
  • $165 million for strategic initiatives related to the efficiency of state IT resources, including new Human Resources and Financial Systems, and background records checking
  • $135 million for upgrades to cybersecurity for the Commonwealth’s digital assets, including a new Security Operations Center, vulnerability testing of state IT infrastructure and Commonwealth-wide IT systems, and enhancement of access security for state systems
  • $105 million for modernization of the Commonwealth’s digital and telecommunications infrastructure

Source: StateScoop