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June 17, 2003
GovPro E-Newsletter
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Tuesday, June 17, 2003 Volume 2, Issue 23
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
You have received this e-newsletter because you are a subscriber to Government Product News or Government PROcurement Journal. If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by C&H Distributors
CONTENTS
States Energize Efforts Web Widens Public Works Alaska Supports Students Florida Lands Documents Online Mailbox Bomb Shakes FBI News of the Weird
FEATURES
RENEWABLE ENGERGY SPURS ECONOMY
As forecasts of double-digit spikes in the price of natural gas this winter circulate out of Washington, D.C., states are encouraging the development of renewable energy sources that reduce the nation's dependence on imported fuels and could dramatically stimulate the economy as well.
The Council of State Governments has issued TrendsAlert: Renewable Energy and State Economies, a comprehensive look at how some states leverage the environmental and health benefits from renewable energy sources to help spur the economy through the creation of jobs and increased tax revenue.
For example wind, the most popular renewable energy source, not only generated a significant amount of electricity in California during the 1990s and contributed more than $31 million a year in salaries and some $7 million in property taxes annually.
In Maine, the biomass power industry generates more than 25 percent of the state's electricity. Just as importantly, the industry has created nearly 3,000 jobs in the state.
And according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates, every dollar spent on renewable energy in Nebraska has the potential to contribute $2.32 to the economy compared with $1.48 for every dollar spent on conventional fossil fuel sources.
The TrendsAlert cites specific policy options some states are using to encourage the development of renewable energy sources such as Public Benefits Funds and Renewable Portfolio Standards.
A copy of the TrendsAlert: Renewable Energy and State Economies, including a summary of key points in the report, is available on CSG's Web site http://www.csg.org (keyword: renewable energy).
CSG is the nation's only organization serving every elected and appointed official in all branches of each state and territorial government through its national office, as well as regional offices based in the East, Midwest, South, and West. CSG has championed excellence in state government since 1933 by advocating multi-state shared problem solving and states' rights, by tracking national conditions, trends, and innovations, and through nonpartisan, groundbreaking leadership training and support. Source: Association Copyright 2003, The Council of State Governments.
WEB APPLICATIONS: COST EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT
Two years ago, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (DPW) launched a multi-phase reengineering of two customer service applications, converting conventional staff-driven, paper-based permit application processing to an instant Web service. The results achieved to date are encouraging. Savings to the public thus far exceed $100,000 and internal department savings already total over $170,000 and are now averaging $14,000 monthly. Permit applications that once took several days to process and approve now take just a few hours. There have been demonstrable improvements in customer satisfaction as well as in staff productivity and satisfaction with the new applications.
Now, the Departments goal is to web-enable additional processes. The Department believes that Web-based customer service applications offer a highly cost-effective and affordable approach with immediate positive impact. Long-term benefits include efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.
With a population of over 9.8 million people, 88 cities, and 4,081 square miles, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States. Approximately 18,000 transportation and excavation applications permits are processed annually with fees collected exceeding $500,000 for just Los Angeles County and thirty-eight of the 88 incorporated cities within the county. These permits also called for a number of manual steps that were very labor intensive and costly. A large percentage of the DPWs permitting time and effort was spent handling these tedious permits, so they became the most logical candidates for the Departments initial venture into service automation. To download article and charts, visit: ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/?/
C&H DISTRIBUTORS
For over 60 years, C&H has been a leading supplier of industrial products such as material handling, shop equipment, maintenance equipment, material storage, shipping supplies, safety products, dock equipment, and more. Contact C&H at 1-800-558-9966 or visit our Web site at: http://www.chdist.com
NEWS
ALASKA APPROVES FULL EDUCATION FUNDING
Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed a bill that increases the per pupil amount of state funding for public schools and changes the method of state funding for pupil transportation. In doing so, Murkowski said he would fully fund education at $701.3 million, a level $32 million higher than FY03. Murkowski also agreed to support full school debt reimbursement in the operating budget, an increase of $13 million, for a total of $66 million.
"I am pleased to sign Senate Bill 202," Murkowski said. "By adding $32 million into the school foundation formula, this bill gives schools more financial resources. It will increase the school funding program by 3.9%--the largest increase in a decade. SB 202 also creates a new way to fund pupil transportation through a grant program that potentially gives schools the resources and the opportunity to transport more children to and from school with an incentive to reduce costs."
Murkowski noted that sacrifices were made in other parts of the FY04 budget, in order to fully fund education. "We will be announcing those sacrifices in the near future," he said. "With full funding, I expect full accountability by the education community in improving student proficiency."
DEP RECEIVES TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Researching Florida's historical state land records just became easier thanks to a new Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) information system. DEP's Division of State Lands was honored for its innovative Board of Trustees Land and Database System with a national Government Solutions Center "Trailblazer" award at the E-Gov 2003 Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"This state-of-the-art system is protecting important pieces of Florida's past for the benefit of our future," said DEP Secretary David B. Struhs. "Paper records previously at risk of deterioration are now safely preserved and easily accessed for research."
The database offers one-stop access to over 1.2 million pages of state land documents, some containing original presidential signatures and seals dating to Florida's statehood in 1845. In addition to historical preservation, the electronic system is improving the way government does business by accelerating the processing time for titles and title permits by eight days. Visit http://www.floridadep.org/lands for more information.
"We are committed to providing Floridians with the best, most cost-effective services available," said DEP Division of State Lands Director Eva Armstrong. "The new system is saving taxpayers time and money while ensuring data accuracy and quality."
The Board of Trustees Land and Database System is comprised of five subsystems: document management, land inventory, title determination, digital parcel mapping and data retrieval. State-owned land inventory records can now be researched by date, county, subject or document type. The system's integrated capabilities allow an accurate, consistent inventory of state-owned land, providing a more efficient title determination through enhanced lineage research.
REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION ON BOMBING OF FBI AGENT'S MAILBOX
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individuals responsible for a possible domestic terrorism act against an FBI Agent has been increased to $50,000. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is matching the $25,000 reward being offered by the FBI. Today, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has begun distributing approximately 18,000 information flyers to residents in McAlester and surrounding areas.
At approximately 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, a homemade explosive device was detonated in the mailbox of an FBI Agent assigned to the McAlester Resident Agency. The mailbox was located in a rural area east of McAlester in Pittsburg County.
Anyone with information regarding the individuals responsible for this crime should contact the McAlester FBI Office at (918) 423-1413, the Oklahoma City FBI Office at (405) 290-7770 (24-hour number), or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (405) 553-6511. You may remain anonymous. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are offering a reward up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the May 4 bombing of the FBI Agent's mail box.
E-PROCUREMENT STUDY SEEKS PARTICIPANTS
The Institute for eCommerce at Carnegie Mellon University is conducting a study on e-procurement initiatives in government. The projects authors aim to improve the understanding of barriers and facilitators that affect government organizations ability to adopt and disseminate successful e-procurement applications.
To participate in the online survey, which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, visit: http://epro.gsia.cmu.edu/gov
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28605/
LINKS
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better macines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Visit: http://www.crown.com/gsa1
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
DENIOS manufactures the broadest selection of Spill Containment, Chemical Storage and related equipment available. Systems provide safe, compliant, and efficient storage of flammables, corrosives and other hazardous chemicals or materials. http://www.thehazmatpro.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
Welcome to the GovPro Newsletter brought to you by the Penton Government Media Group. Look forward to news, resources, product and supplier information, and links relating to the government market.
You have received this e-newsletter because you are a subscriber to Government Product News or Government PROcurement Journal. If this message was sent in error or you wish to unsubscribe, see the unsubscribe information below.
Sponsored by C&H Distributors
CONTENTS
States Energize Efforts Web Widens Public Works Alaska Supports Students Florida Lands Documents Online Mailbox Bomb Shakes FBI News of the Weird
FEATURES
RENEWABLE ENGERGY SPURS ECONOMY
As forecasts of double-digit spikes in the price of natural gas this winter circulate out of Washington, D.C., states are encouraging the development of renewable energy sources that reduce the nation's dependence on imported fuels and could dramatically stimulate the economy as well.
The Council of State Governments has issued TrendsAlert: Renewable Energy and State Economies, a comprehensive look at how some states leverage the environmental and health benefits from renewable energy sources to help spur the economy through the creation of jobs and increased tax revenue.
For example wind, the most popular renewable energy source, not only generated a significant amount of electricity in California during the 1990s and contributed more than $31 million a year in salaries and some $7 million in property taxes annually.
In Maine, the biomass power industry generates more than 25 percent of the state's electricity. Just as importantly, the industry has created nearly 3,000 jobs in the state.
And according to U.S. Department of Energy estimates, every dollar spent on renewable energy in Nebraska has the potential to contribute $2.32 to the economy compared with $1.48 for every dollar spent on conventional fossil fuel sources.
The TrendsAlert cites specific policy options some states are using to encourage the development of renewable energy sources such as Public Benefits Funds and Renewable Portfolio Standards.
A copy of the TrendsAlert: Renewable Energy and State Economies, including a summary of key points in the report, is available on CSG's Web site http://www.csg.org (keyword: renewable energy).
CSG is the nation's only organization serving every elected and appointed official in all branches of each state and territorial government through its national office, as well as regional offices based in the East, Midwest, South, and West. CSG has championed excellence in state government since 1933 by advocating multi-state shared problem solving and states' rights, by tracking national conditions, trends, and innovations, and through nonpartisan, groundbreaking leadership training and support. Source: Association Copyright 2003, The Council of State Governments.
WEB APPLICATIONS: COST EFFECTIVE, EFFICIENT
Two years ago, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (DPW) launched a multi-phase reengineering of two customer service applications, converting conventional staff-driven, paper-based permit application processing to an instant Web service. The results achieved to date are encouraging. Savings to the public thus far exceed $100,000 and internal department savings already total over $170,000 and are now averaging $14,000 monthly. Permit applications that once took several days to process and approve now take just a few hours. There have been demonstrable improvements in customer satisfaction as well as in staff productivity and satisfaction with the new applications.
Now, the Departments goal is to web-enable additional processes. The Department believes that Web-based customer service applications offer a highly cost-effective and affordable approach with immediate positive impact. Long-term benefits include efficiency, cost savings, and customer satisfaction.
With a population of over 9.8 million people, 88 cities, and 4,081 square miles, Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States. Approximately 18,000 transportation and excavation applications permits are processed annually with fees collected exceeding $500,000 for just Los Angeles County and thirty-eight of the 88 incorporated cities within the county. These permits also called for a number of manual steps that were very labor intensive and costly. A large percentage of the DPWs permitting time and effort was spent handling these tedious permits, so they became the most logical candidates for the Departments initial venture into service automation. To download article and charts, visit: ht/tp://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/?/
C&H DISTRIBUTORS
For over 60 years, C&H has been a leading supplier of industrial products such as material handling, shop equipment, maintenance equipment, material storage, shipping supplies, safety products, dock equipment, and more. Contact C&H at 1-800-558-9966 or visit our Web site at: http://www.chdist.com
NEWS
ALASKA APPROVES FULL EDUCATION FUNDING
Governor Frank H. Murkowski signed a bill that increases the per pupil amount of state funding for public schools and changes the method of state funding for pupil transportation. In doing so, Murkowski said he would fully fund education at $701.3 million, a level $32 million higher than FY03. Murkowski also agreed to support full school debt reimbursement in the operating budget, an increase of $13 million, for a total of $66 million.
"I am pleased to sign Senate Bill 202," Murkowski said. "By adding $32 million into the school foundation formula, this bill gives schools more financial resources. It will increase the school funding program by 3.9%--the largest increase in a decade. SB 202 also creates a new way to fund pupil transportation through a grant program that potentially gives schools the resources and the opportunity to transport more children to and from school with an incentive to reduce costs."
Murkowski noted that sacrifices were made in other parts of the FY04 budget, in order to fully fund education. "We will be announcing those sacrifices in the near future," he said. "With full funding, I expect full accountability by the education community in improving student proficiency."
DEP RECEIVES TRAILBLAZER AWARD
Researching Florida's historical state land records just became easier thanks to a new Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) information system. DEP's Division of State Lands was honored for its innovative Board of Trustees Land and Database System with a national Government Solutions Center "Trailblazer" award at the E-Gov 2003 Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C.
"This state-of-the-art system is protecting important pieces of Florida's past for the benefit of our future," said DEP Secretary David B. Struhs. "Paper records previously at risk of deterioration are now safely preserved and easily accessed for research."
The database offers one-stop access to over 1.2 million pages of state land documents, some containing original presidential signatures and seals dating to Florida's statehood in 1845. In addition to historical preservation, the electronic system is improving the way government does business by accelerating the processing time for titles and title permits by eight days. Visit http://www.floridadep.org/lands for more information.
"We are committed to providing Floridians with the best, most cost-effective services available," said DEP Division of State Lands Director Eva Armstrong. "The new system is saving taxpayers time and money while ensuring data accuracy and quality."
The Board of Trustees Land and Database System is comprised of five subsystems: document management, land inventory, title determination, digital parcel mapping and data retrieval. State-owned land inventory records can now be researched by date, county, subject or document type. The system's integrated capabilities allow an accurate, consistent inventory of state-owned land, providing a more efficient title determination through enhanced lineage research.
REWARD OFFERED FOR INFORMATION ON BOMBING OF FBI AGENT'S MAILBOX
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced the reward for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individuals responsible for a possible domestic terrorism act against an FBI Agent has been increased to $50,000. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is matching the $25,000 reward being offered by the FBI. Today, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service has begun distributing approximately 18,000 information flyers to residents in McAlester and surrounding areas.
At approximately 1:15 a.m. on Sunday, May 4, a homemade explosive device was detonated in the mailbox of an FBI Agent assigned to the McAlester Resident Agency. The mailbox was located in a rural area east of McAlester in Pittsburg County.
Anyone with information regarding the individuals responsible for this crime should contact the McAlester FBI Office at (918) 423-1413, the Oklahoma City FBI Office at (405) 290-7770 (24-hour number), or the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at (405) 553-6511. You may remain anonymous. The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are offering a reward up to $50,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible for the May 4 bombing of the FBI Agent's mail box.
E-PROCUREMENT STUDY SEEKS PARTICIPANTS
The Institute for eCommerce at Carnegie Mellon University is conducting a study on e-procurement initiatives in government. The projects authors aim to improve the understanding of barriers and facilitators that affect government organizations ability to adopt and disseminate successful e-procurement applications.
To participate in the online survey, which takes less than 15 minutes to complete, visit: http://epro.gsia.cmu.edu/gov
NEWS OF THE WEIRD: Bizarre but true stories about real people. http://www.govpro.com/GPRONewsletter/Article/28605/
LINKS
ORIX Public Finance, a leading provider of innovative financing for state and local municipalities, offers flexible terms, expedient processing and time-tested expertise. Let an ORIX professional help you today. http://www.orixfin.com
Federal Signal will accelerate your response time with electronic and mechanical outdoor warning sirens, software, and the Informer tone-alert radio. http://www.federalwarningsystems.com
PPI Modular Structures Inc. is a construction company that provides modular and pre-manufactured buildings. Custom applications are our specialty! http://www.ppimod.com
OLYMPIA! The only name you need to know for your office machine requirements! Paper Shredders, Typewriters, Calculators, Paper Handling Equipment. http://www.olympia.to
As a global leader in office furniture, Haworth offers a comprehensive line of furniture and service solutions for any office. http://www.haworth.com
Dawn Enterprises, a long time GSA choice for ultra-secure trashcans, planters, benches and bollards manufactured in either concrete or stone, in the colors of your choice. http://www.trashcans.com
GEM is the zero-emission transportation solution for your fleet needs. This Low Speed Vehicle is ideal for those everyday short distance trips. http://www.gemcar.com/gsa
John Deere. Better macines, greater choices. Lower prices, fewer hassles. Our complete online catalog brings the John Deere showroom right to you. http://www.JohnDeere.com/GovSales
Newark InOne is the only electronics distributor to have a catalog-wide GSA Schedule (GS-06F-0044M) exclusively for the supply of over 150,000 electronic components and supplies. Visit http://www.teamgov.com or contact 1.800.TEAM.GOV (832.6468) for a FREE catalog or to place your next order.
Crown Equipment designs, manufactures, distributes, services, and supports material handling products that provide customers with superior value. Visit: http://www.crown.com/gsa1
Custom-designed Meyer snow plows fit exact vehicle frame and weight specifications for exceptional performance in all applications. Visit: http://www.meyerproducts.com
DENIOS manufactures the broadest selection of Spill Containment, Chemical Storage and related equipment available. Systems provide safe, compliant, and efficient storage of flammables, corrosives and other hazardous chemicals or materials. http://www.thehazmatpro.com
Safety Storage, the first choice for custom and pre-fabricated hazardous storage buildings. http://www.safetystorage.com
You may qualify for a FREE Magazine Subscription
Complimentary subscriptions to Government Product News, a product-driven resource, and Government PROcurement, editorial targeting the public sector purchasing professional are available to those who qualify. To subscribe to Government Product News visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gn To subscribe to Government Procurement visit: http://www.submag.com/sub/gp
Copyright 2003 Penton Media, Inc.
