DR. MELODIE MAYBERRY-STEWART TESTIFIES AT THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE BUDGET HEARING.

ALBANY, NY -- The following information was released by the New York State Chief Information Officer and Office for Technology (CIO/OFT):

On February 9, 2011, Dr. Melodie Mayberry-Stewart, New York State Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office for Technology, testified before the Joint Legislative Budget Committee presenting our agency's planned initiatives for the upcoming 2011-12 fiscal year.

Dr. Mayberry-Stewart stated, "As the State's Chief Information Officer and Director of the Office for Technology, it is my job to implement and manage this reduction in funding while continuing to focus on and make progress in CIO/OFT's core mission areas. In doing so, I hope to work in partnership with the legislature, with our workforce, and with the SAGE Commission to effectuate meaningful and sustainable change. In particular how CIO/OFT supports state agencies in meeting their IT needs and leveraging technology to increase their efficiency and effectiveness in serving their constituencies."

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo's proposed 2011-12 Executive Budget calls for a leaner and more efficient state government and a 10 percent reduction in state agency operating budgets. Dr. Mayberry-Stewart outlined goals aimed at redesigning, restructuring, and rightsizing IT assets and resources to realize future sustained savings and a better value for New York's taxpayers which are to:

- Standardize and Consolidate Technology

- Make Greater Use of Modern Technology

- Create A Talented State IT Workforce

In closing, Dr. Mayberry-Stewart stated "I will continue to reach out to all the relevant stakeholders to receive their input not only on the budget, but also on changes that CIO/OFT can and should make to drive efficiencies and shared IT services across the State Enterprise."

About CIO/OFT

The State Chief Information Officer and Office for Technology (CIO/OFT) provide statewide IT strategic direction, IT policy and centralized IT services to the state and its governmental entities. CIO/OFT provides IT enterprise services to support the missions of state agencies by operating four mainframe data centers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including more than 90,000 telecom users, 50 statewide mission-critical applications, a secure network of over 1,600 miles of fiber, including IT operations, telecommunications, Internet and Intranet services, enterprise email systems and support, IT training, networking, data storage and processing. In addition, the agency has a world renowned project management practice, operates a first class technology academy for NY government entities and e-learning program for groups, operates a 24/7 customer care center, develops and supports web applications and assists with application development. For more information, visit http://www.cio.ny.gov. Follow us on Twitter @nystatecio.