BOSTON – The Massachusetts Senate has passed a $929 million Information Technology Bond Bill with provisions authored by Senator Brian A. Joyce that will: (i) save taxpayers $272 million; (ii) create a matching grant program to provide enhanced IT and broadband access for public schools; and (iii) reform the IT project selection and procurement process.
“This legislation will help modernize the state’s technology infrastructure while enacting the reforms needed to help protect taxpayers against expensive and broken IT projects,” said Joyce. “It will also ensure that our schools can implement technology upgrades to prepare our children for college and beyond.”
While in the Senate Committee on Bonding, Capital Expenditures and State Assets chaired by Senator Joyce, the bill was changed to enact numerous reforms designed to eliminate costly and ineffective IT projects. Additionally, language was added to create a $38 million competitive, matching grant program administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Information Technology Division to provide for enhanced IT infrastructure and increased broadband access for students statewide. The legislation also saves taxpayers an estimated $272 million by reducing the bond terms.