New Governors' Agendas Identify Major IT Investment Trends For 2009

Eleven states, representing 12% of the nation's population, elected governors this month. Their IT agendas provide critical insights into where all the states would like to make IT investments in 2009, according to research by INPUT, the authority on government business.

Reston, VA (PRWEB) November 19, 2008 -- Eleven states, representing 12% of the nation's population, elected governors this month. Their IT agendas provide critical insights into where all the states would like to make IT investments in 2009, according to research by INPUT, the authority on government business.

"Although IT is generally a sideline issue in a gubernatorial campaign, it did enjoy some surprising prominence this year--especially given the economic crisis," said Chris Dixon, manager of state and local industry analysis at INPUT. "I think this clinches the idea that technology is not just an investment for the good times but a integral part of the management agenda."

The most vivid articulation of IT-specific agenda items can be found around Medicaid (eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse) and criminal justice (statistically-based community policing). Medicaid is a never-ending pain-point within state budgets and safe streets are always a major concern of the voters. Interest in performance management, particularly accountability and transparency, has breathed new life into the idea of e-government.

However, Dixon still recommends that contractors be patient.

"I expect most states to sit on their hands in terms of announcing major new IT initiatives until early next year when they will get their first chance to see where the Obama administration and the Congressional leadership would like to fund as part of a fiscal stimulus package for the states and localities in 2009," he said.

These findings and others were released in an INPUT Industry Insight Report, "The 2008 Gubernatorial Elections - IT Agendas Suggest Likely Investment Areas for 2009." The report includes a state-by-state overview of the IT policy statements of each governor-elect with links to additional information resources. The report also provides an overview of the 44 states that held legislative elections. More details are available at http://www.input.com/corp/library/detail.cfm?itemid=7775&cmp=OTC-mrgbrnatorialelectionsii.

States holding gubernatorial elections this year included Delaware, Indiana, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia.

EDITOR'S NOTE: To speak with the report author regarding this release, please contact Helena Brito at hbrito@input.com or 703-707-4161.

About INPUT

INPUT is the authority on government business. Established in 1974, INPUT helps companies develop federal, state, and local government business and helps public sector organizations achieve their objectives. Over 1,500 member organizations, including small specialized companies, new entrants to the public sector, and the largest government contractors and agencies, rely on INPUT for the latest and most comprehensive procurement and market information, consulting, powerful sales management tools, and educational & networking events. For more information about INPUT, visit www.input.com or call 703-707-3500.

Media Contact:

Helena Brito

hbrito@input.com

703-707-4161

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