Future Tech Act looks to modernize IT systems in executive branch - WWLP.com

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BOSTON (WWLP) – Early last month, the Governor announced a wide-ranging bill dealing with IT capital investments.

The Future Tech Act had a hearing Tuesday, this bill is a comprehensive IT plan that totals over $1 billion that would ultimately modernize IT systems, over a five year period, across the executive branch.

Representative Michael Finn of West Springfield kicked off the hearing, with Secretary Jason Snyder of the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security being the first to testify.

The $1.23 billion plan seeks to make government websites and services easier to access. Some of the spending measures include $110 million to support user experience across state agency websites, $30 million for municipal fiber networks, and $25 million for artificial intelligence projects.

Senator Paul Mark of Pittsfield is the Senate Vice Chair of the Joint Committee that heard the bill, he believes making government more accessible to those in western Massachusetts is critical.

“I think this bill is necessary, for sure, and I think the governor is proposing a pretty good investment in upgrading out IT infrastructure. This is something that’s going to cut across state government, it’s going to cut across interfaces with the public, and it’s even going to help municipalities, in western Massachusetts especially important. There’s money in here to help some of the municipalities finish some of their networking and finish some of there fiber build out, which to people like me and people I represent, is crucial,” said Senator Mark.

This comes at a time when the state is seeing very slow revenue growth. However, the administration believes now is the time to invest. Having now been heard in front of committee, the bill needs a favorable review to be sent to the legislature.

Local News

Ellen Fleming is a reporter at the Boston State House who has been a part of the 22News team since 2022. Follow Ellen on X @EllenFlem and view her bio to see more of her work.

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