Pennsylvania Ranks among Top States in 2012 Digital States Survey

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania has been recognized as one of the top states in the nation for its use of digital technologies to better serve citizens, save money and achieve policy goals, according to the Center for Digital Government's 2012 Digital States Survey.

The survey assigned letter grades to each state. Overall, Pennsylvania is among six states that earned an A minus.  Only two states, Michigan and Utah, earned higher grades.  On the previous survey in 2010, Pennsylvania also earned an A minus.

"Pennsylvania is leader among states in leveraging technology to enhance the delivery of services, improve efficiency of operations and reduce the cost of government," Secretary of Administration Kelly Powell Logan said.  "We are pleased that the Center for Digital Government has once again recognized Pennsylvania for its successes."

The Digital States Survey is a comprehensive, biennial study that examines best practices, policies and progress made by state governments in information technology. The 2012 survey focused on results achieved by states in the face of continued fiscal constraints and increased demand for services.

The survey evaluated states across eight broad categories, covering such areas as adaptive leadership and innovation; citizen engagement and open government; and administration and human resource management.  States that received high marks demonstrated results across all categories.

"State governments across the nation are being challenged to do more with less," said George White, Chief Information Officer for the commonwealth.  "By making strategic investments in new technology and streamlining operations through consolidation and the sharing of IT services across agencies, we are working to meet the needs of Pennsylvania's citizens and businesses while minimizing the burden to taxpayers." 

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on IT policies and best practices in state and local government. For more information, visit www.centerdigitalgov.com.

Media contact: Dan Egan, 717-772-4237

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of Administration