Faced with budget constraints, federal pressure, states turn to modernization

Faced with budget constraints and diminished support from the federal government, many states are turning to modernize their processes and technologies, according to a recent report from the Pew Charitable Trusts. Melissa Maynard, a project director at Pew who authored that report, says states are feeling pressure, including from changes to Medicaid and SNAP programs, that will in many cases require them to foot the bill not only for increased state administration, but also to cover benefits costs. The solution to an out-of-control situation, she said, has been to manage what can be controlled. “If you’re in charge of a state, you want to roll up your sleeves and look comprehensively and look at everything that is within your power. And states are doing that,” she said on the Priorities Podcast. “Efficiency is becoming a very central focus for states as tightening budgets collide also with new advances in technology and especially AI.”

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New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill on Monday named Kevin Dehmer, the state’s education commissioner, as her administration’s chief technology officer. Dehmer replaced Christopher Rein, who stepped down last week. Sherrill has also announced the state will stand up a new web form to collect information from residents about potential infractions by federal immigration authorities.

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani last week announced he’ll get rid of an AI-powered chatbot as part of his plan to close the city’s $12 billion budget gap. The chatbot, which received strong backing under former Mayor Eric Adams, had been found at times to provide incorrect or even illegal advice.

A former product manager at the Colorado Digital Service recently announced a new website called the Colorado Digital Services Navigator. He said no assets were taken from his old job to create the website. State officials said they are planning, though, to launch a similar portal later this year. The employee, Brian Curtis, said he just wanted to give a birthday present to the state, which turns 150 on Aug. 1.

New episodes of StateScoop’s Priorities Podcast are posted each Wednesday. For more of the latest news and trends across the state and local government technology community, subscribe to the Priorities Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts,Soundcloud or Spotify.