West Montgomery Times

Sens. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery/Berks) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) have announced their intention to introduce legislation that would elevate the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the Commonwealth to a cabinet-level position. The proposed move aims to enhance the management of critical data and ensure the state government stays on the cutting edge of information technology.

"The sheer growing scope of responsibility that the Chief Information Officer is tasked with alone warrants evaluation to the cabinet-level," stated Pennycuick. "This move will give the officer more flexibility to ensure that state government is on the cutting edge of the latest information technology, delivery of services, and protecting our systems from cybersecurity threats. Additionally, I believe this move will open new avenues for increased transparency and collaboration."

The legislation seeks to streamline decision-making processes, reducing bureaucratic impediments that can hinder quick and efficient responses. By elevating the CIO to a cabinet-level position, the senators believe they are not just protecting data but also securing the future of Pennsylvania's technological landscape.

"It is time to empower our CIO to lead with agility, ensuring the resilience and efficiency of our state's IT services," added Phillips-Hill. "For years, the Wolf Administration and now the Shapiro Administration tell us everything is fine, when the status quo is clearly not working."

The legislation comes in the wake of a public hearing held by the Senate Communication and Technology Committee, chaired by Pennycuick, on a massive data loss that impacted the Pennsylvania State Police's evidence logs and the State Employees' Retirement System. The Shapiro Administration had to pay $530,000 to bring in a Washington-based IT crisis firm to assist with the fallout.

With this legislation, the senators aim to enhance the state's technological capabilities, protect sensitive information, and position Pennsylvania as a leader in effective IT governance.

The proposed legislation has received support from various quarters. Matt Szuchyt, the contact person for Pennycuick, can be reached at 717-787-3110 for more information.

Source: [Pennycuick and Phillips-Hill Propose Legislation to Elevate Chief Information Officer to Cabinet Level Position](https://www.pasenategop.com/news/2024/02/08/pennycuick-and-phillips-hill-propose-legislation-to-elevate-chief-information-officer-to-cabinet-level-position/)