Missouri government earns top marks for technology usage

Missouri has been recognized on the Center for Digital Government's 2010 Digital States Survey, which marks governments for their use of digital technologies to serve citizens and streamline operations.

The survey grades states based on a traditional A-F scale. Missouri was given a B+, according to the center's Web site.

In a Sept. 28 news release, Gov. Jay Nixon noted the importance of a digitally-centered government.

"One of my administration’s top priorities is to use technology to make government smarter, more efficient and more effective,” Nixon said. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past 18 months, and we’re going to bolster our efforts to make it even easier for Missourians to access the information and services they need."

A B grade indicates that a state is trending up, with demonstrated results in many categories, according to the site.

Grades are based on eight categories: adaptive leadership; enterprise information and communications technology; public safety; health and human services; commerce, labor and tax; finance and administration; energy and transportation; and citizen engagement.

In addition to its B+ grade, Missouri also was named No. 4 overall in the commerce, labor and tax category.

None of the states was given a D or F grade. Missouri joined eight other states in the B+ category; four states were given A grades, with Michigan and Utah receiving top ranks.

The Digital States Survey was conducted from April through June.

The Center for Digital Government is a subsidiary of Folsom, Calif.-based publishing, research and new media company e.Republic.[[In-content Ad]]