States “Uniquely Situated” to Use Latest Technology for Service Delivery

States “Uniquely Situated” to Use Latest Technology for Service Delivery

Lynn Overmann, executive director at the Beeck Center for Social Impact and Innovation at Georgetown University, calls state governments “uniquely situated” to use the latest technology to offer improved service delivery to the public. She writes, “their proximity to the communities they serve gives them a pulse on the immediate needs and challenges of their residents,” according to StateScoop in a Digital Services Special Report on March 12. The report also reviews recent developments in generative artificial intelligence, including the choice to not use AI by some state CIOs.

N.Y. Gov. Hochul Orders Review of State’s Cannabis Business Licensing

New York Governor Kathy Hochul ordered a review of the cannabis licensing process, calling the cannabis rollout a “disaster.”  According to CBS New York, “only a few more than 80 licensed stores have opened since the law was signed three years ago, while there are thousands of illegal cannabis shops operating.” The Office of Cannabis Management said 32 people at the agency handle about 7,000 applications.

Mont. State School Board Approves Alternative Teacher Licensure Program

The Montana Board of Education voted to approve an alternative teacher licensure program to help fill teacher vacancies, according to the Daily Montanan on March 18. The alterative path enables teachers to get certified more quickly and for less money through the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence—until Jan. of 2026. At that time the new Superintendent of Public Instruction (to be elected in November) would decide whether to continue using that certification.