Route Fifty
Solar Project to Produce Half of State Government’s Electricity
Pennsylvania announced a new solar project that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lock in energy pricing for 15 years.
Nextgov
Watchdog Says Software Development Issues May Force F-35 Delay
The Government Accountability Office found the Defense Department’s current modernization schedule “is not rooted in reality.”
Nextgov
Health Agencies Seek Face Mask Designs of the Future
Federal officials want innovators to reimagine the protective products.
Route Fifty
How One State Will Work With the Feds On a Major Tech Overhaul
Wisconsin has turned to a federal team of tech experts as the state seeks to revamp its antiquated unemployment computer system.
Route Fifty
When State and Local Governments Can Expect to Receive Stimulus Funds
The Treasury Department is still working on guidance that will better inform states of how they can use the money. But aid for cities and counties must be distributed within 60 days of the law’s passage.
Nextgov
Survey: Nearly 1 in 4 Consumers Distrust Government COVID Data
The survey also showed significant levels of distrust in some emerging technologies.
Nextgov
At South by Southwest, DOT’s ‘Secretary Pete’ Points To Federal IT Priorities
He’d like to help make the 2020s ‘a turning point in the story of American transportation.’
Nextgov
VA Electronic Health Records Program Delayed Up to 12 Weeks For ‘Strategic Review’
House committee leadership plans to hold a hearing in April on the program and strategic review process.
Route Fifty
Republican State Officials Bristle Over Tax Cut Prohibition in Covid Relief Bill
Ohio’s Attorney General has sued the Biden administration over the provision, which is embedded in the $350 billion direct aid program for states and localities. A coalition of 21 other AGs are asking for more guidance on the mandate.
Nextgov
FAA Delays Drone Remote ID Tracking, ‘Operations Over People’ Rules
Compliance deadlines for manufacturers and operators have also been pushed out.
Nextgov
GAO: Agencies Need to Plan Better, Pay More and Deal with Harassment and Diversity Issues Among Tech Workforce
A new report and testimony from the Government Accountability Office re-ups past work to identify problems hiring and retaining a skilled federal science and technology workforce.
Route Fifty
It’s Time to Get Back to the Office (and for Slackers to Get Back to Work), These Lawmakers Say
In Pennsylvania, Republican legislators are raising concerns about how remote work during the pandemic has affected the performance and productivity of some state employees.
Route Fifty
‘An Insult’: Attorneys General Slam Purdue Restructuring Plan
Under the proposal filed this week, the OxyContin manufacturer would pay $4.25 billion to states, municipalities and others.
Route Fifty
New Connecticut Law Will Ban Discrimination Based On Hairstyles
The state is the eighth to enact legislation to address hair discrimination historically associated with race.
Nextgov
Official: Executive Order to Address Cloud Security Through Procurement
Lawmakers question why basic security features are not already the default.
Route Fifty
The Push is On To Recruit Enough Vaccinators
As states prepare to begin vaccinating the general public in the coming weeks and months, the White House is taking steps to make sure there are enough workers to administer the shots.
Route Fifty
The Overshadowed Plight of City Budgets
New federal aid offers welcome relief for many local governments, which have seen their financial difficulties upstaged at times by better-than-expected state revenues.
Route Fifty
Cities Direct Johnson & Johnson Vaccine to Homeless Populations
There are practical reasons why it makes sense to use the one-dose vaccine for hard-to-reach groups, but experts say the practice can also fuel skepticism and concern if public officials aren’t careful.
Route Fifty
State and Federal Wildlife Officials Would Like You to Please Destroy Your Moss Balls
Invasive zebra mussels have been found in aquarium moss balls in at least 21 states. Wildlife officials say the balls must be destroyed to prevent the fast-multiplying mollusk from spreading.
Nextgov