3/10/2023 - Assembly Ways And Means And Senate Finance, Subcommittees On General Government

In a recent meeting, Chair Peters and Timothy Galuzzi, the Division Administrator of Enterprise I.T Services, came together to discuss budgets and priorities related to information technology services for state agencies. The meeting shed light on the Division's mission, vision, and goals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, communication, and support in delivering top-notch services to state agencies.

Embracing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

One of the key challenges highlighted during the meeting was recruitment and retention in technology positions. As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, finding skilled professionals who can keep up with the latest trends becomes increasingly difficult. However, Chair Peters and Timothy Galuzzi proposed an innovative solution - leveraging grant funding opportunities to invest in critical infrastructure and communications platforms. By doing so, they not only address the challenge of recruitment but also save money for partner agencies.

A Shift in Priorities: Advanced Server Hosting Services

During the meeting, a significant rate increase in advanced server hosting services was brought to attention. However, this increase will not impact the two remaining agencies using the service as they have decided not to continue utilizing it in the coming biennium. In fact, the service itself is intended to be discontinued. To ensure a smooth transition, the costs associated with advanced server hosting will be absorbed by another virtual hosting cost pool. This decision reflects a strategic approach that optimizes staff, facilities, and resources.

State Employee Benefits: A Unique Perspective

The discussion also touched upon an intriguing topic - how state employee benefit packages compare to those offered in the private sector. It was noted that there are indeed some differences, particularly when it comes to retirement plans like 401(k)s. State employees often receive benefits such as PERS contributions, which can play a significant role in their overall compensation package. The choice between employee or employer-paid PERS contributions is left to the individual employees, providing them with flexibility and autonomy.

The Rising Tide of Security Risks: Navigating the Cloud-Centric Era

As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, the use of laptops, mobile devices, and cell phones has skyrocketed across the executive branch. While this brings convenience and efficiency, it also presents additional security risks, especially as many agencies transition towards cloud-centric platforms. Chair Peters and Timothy Galuzzi emphasized the importance of staying vigilant in the face of adversaries who seek to exploit vulnerabilities for financial gain.

Ransomware Attacks: