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Newsletter Archives > State & Local Week in Review - Issue 5, 3/11/08


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States See Bigger Hit From Medicaid Changes

Source: The Wall Street Journal

States estimate that proposed changes to Medicaid would cost them about $50 billion in federal aid over the next five years, nearly four times the administration estimate. » Read Article

“Medicaid eats up nearly 22% of state budgets-even with the federal government picking up half the tab. So, these dramatic cuts will force states to seek new efficiencies and eliminate abuse in order to minimize cuts in coverage.” -Schalene Dagutis, Vice President, State and Local Information Services

Bay State Senate bill would mandate electronic health records

Source: Mass High Tech Journal

The Massachusetts Senate has proposed health-care legislation that would mandate statewide adoption of electronic medical records (EMR) by 2015 » Read Article

“Adoption of EMRs has been disappointing and the 2015 deadline does not create a sense of urgency. However, the commonwealth's mandate will require penalties for non-compliance and secondary resources that will help providers cover the $500 million price tag for a statewide system.” -Sherry Ashby, Principal Analyst, Health Care & Social Services

Help Could Be A Text Message Away

Source: Central Florida News 13

In the future, residents of central Florida may be able to notify 911 without calling from a phone. » Read Article

“E-mail, texting, and video technologies represent a new frontier for e911 public safety dispatch. INPUT expects to see many public safety agencies to begin accommodating citizen's use of these options as part of the next generation of computer aided dispatch (CAD).” -Rob Funk, Senior Analyst, Homeland Security and Justice/Public Safety

Successful voting in Cuyahoga County is worth a cheer and a sigh of relief

Source: The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer

Election officials in Cuyahoga County (Ohio) conducted a major election with a new voting system – and they did it without a major complication. » Read Article

“Experts warned that optical scan systems created significant risks for voter error (e.g., stray marks that can invalidate the ballot). However, public demand for a paper trail and the success of Tuesday's election in Cuyahoga County will make optical scan a viable option going forward.” -Teresa Brynda, Analyst, State & Local

The Mandate to Measure

Source: Governing

A growing number of governors are now personally involved in improving the way information is used to manage their states. » Read Article

"'Grading the States '08' highlights the need for states to leverage technology even as budgets tighten and transparency increases. Citizens increasingly expect services to be delivered fast and for their tax dollars to be spent efficiently." -Jason Sajko, Senior Analyst, General Government Services