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Newsletter Archives > State & Local Week in Review - Issue 3, 2/26/08
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Google to Store Patients' Health Records

Source: Associated Press


Google Inc. will begin storing the medical records of as it tests a long-awaited health service that's likely to raise privacy concerns. » Read Article

INPUT Says...
“Google's test run will be remembered as the shot that commenced the health information 'land rush.' It will surely spur additional investments by a host of other major players/competitors who would love to become the de facto infrastructure providers for the nation's health information exchange. It will also bring privacy and security concerns to the forefront. These issues need to be dealt with soon so that the progress on health IT won't get bogged down in the sort of nebulous debate that has plagued electronic voting.” -Chris Dixon, Manager, State & Local Industry Analysis

 

New system delaying Texas food stamps applications

Source: Houston Chronicle


Texans seeking food stamps are waiting longer thanks to an updated computer system intended to modernize enrollment. » Read Article

INPUT Says...
“This growing backlog of data and incomplete records caused by this multi-million dollar investment could cause the state to lose track of the food stamp recipients. With the rapidly changing pace of the TIERS system, business needs are shifting from when the system was initially implemented.  There is an urgent need for organization and system training to essentially change the focus to client outcomes. Vendors can help the state by creating an innovative solution to help with training costs and produce better quality service delivery.” -Shadi Shakibai, Senior Analyst, Social Services and Health Care

 

Ferreting Out Meter Feeders

Source: Washington Post


D.C.'s parking enforcers are testing high-tech gizmos to identify scofflaws and free up spaces for shoppers. » Read Article

INPUT Says...
“While surveillance cameras, biometrics and license-plate readers are not new to law enforcement this implementation shows that these tools are finding other uses for detecting and monitoring petty criminal behavior. It also helps agencies do more with less. Certainly the implementation of just one mobilized parking monitoring system does the work of several parking-patrol officers. INPUT expects to see many departments considering these smart technology investments to improve productivity.” -Rob Funk, Senior Analyst, Homeland Security and Justice/Public Safety

 

New Database Will Track Guns Used in Crimes

Source: New York Sun


New York City is building a new database to track guns used in crimes, and it intends to share the information.» Read Article

INPUT Says...
“State and local agencies are the first line of defense against illegal gun trafficking. Since most of the guns that are seized will be held and analyzed at state and local public safety agencies, it is necessary for those agencies to develop a system that fits their needs. With the proper system in place, New York City will be able to identify and infiltrate the gun trafficking system and put trafficking groups behind bars all along the East Coast.” -Jeff Webster, Analyst, Homeland Security & Justice/Public Safety

 

Making it happen

Source: The Economist


Technology is only half the battle. » Read Article

INPUT Says...
"There are valuable lessons to be learned by comparing the experiences of governments abroad with domestic efforts at implementing successful e-government programs. The adoption of a cosmopolitan mindset when researching problem solving strategies can lead to the discovery of solutions that might not be found when looking only at the experiences of one's neighbors." -Justin Spratley, Research Associate, General Government Services