FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Office of the Governor
September 27, 2002
Contact:    Terri Giltner (502) 564-2611 Governor’s Office or
                 Jean-Marie Lawson (270) 781-4320, ext. 22, Center for Information Technology Enterprise, Inc.
                 http://www.connectkentucky.org

Governor Patton Releases Plan for Kentucky’s Information Highway
connectkentucky report prepares state for the networked world

(LOUISVILLE, KY.) Governor Patton released the connectkentucky strategic plan today that is designed to develop a sophisticated information network in the state, which is a requirement for the technology-driven new economy.  The Governor was joined at BellSouth’s Headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky, by over 100 business, government and civic leaders from across the state to announce the release of the report that includes a current assessment of Kentucky’s Internet capabilities, as well as a strategy to further develop the state’s information highway.  

“I am impressed by both the depth of the assessment as well as the aggressive strategy the connectkentucky Steering Committee has laid out for the state,” said Governor Paul Patton.  “Their generous support, dedication and leadership have set a bold course for Kentucky’s preparedness for the networked world.”  

“The CEOs of some of Americas most “high tech” companies have asked States and communities to assess and plan for their participation in the networked world—Kentucky has answered that call,” according to Mr. John Hall, Retired Chairman and CEO of Ashland Inc. and connectkentucky Co-Chair.    

The report, Kentucky Prepares For The Networked World, outlines goals and specific strategies to effectively prepare the state for the networked world. 

Goal 1:            Increase public awareness of the benefits of e-commerce, e-government, and e-learning to Kentucky’s businesses, governmental agencies and citizens.

• Develop a Website with easily accessible information on the state’s broadband offerings and availabilities

• Communicate information technology success stories

• Enlist trade associations to become evangelists of e-commerce benefits

• Communicate security and privacy policy best practices

• Partner with the Chamber of Commerce to promote e-business usage

• Partner with community organizations to promote citizen use of the Internet

• Share best practices from local government and small businesses that are successfully using the Internet

Goal 2:            Create and implement market driven strategies that increase business, consumer and government use of the Internet.

• Create a multi-payer portal for physicians that will allow them to serve both providers and patients on-line

• Promote online open enrollment for healthcare benefits

• Partner with the Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Association of Counties to implement e-government applications at the local level

• Partner with business associations to develop a strategy for small businesses in the utilization of information technology

• Support public-private partnerships that develop strategies to increase technology sophistication and utilization among Kentucky farmers

• Collaborate with the State Chamber of Commerce to create an online business directory

Goal 3:            Implement public policy initiatives that promote competition and eliminate regulatory barriers to increase Internet usage and enhance broadband deployment throughout Kentucky.

• Implement telecommunications tax equity and modernization to create a pro-competitive investment environment and eliminate disincentives

• Encourage the deregulation of all broadband services to create regulatory parity among competitors

• Ensure government refrains from any regulatory control that would discourage investments in broadband infrastructure

• Encourage local communities to develop public-private partnerships that would result in the deployment of broadband services in underserved areas of the state

• Ensure that state government leads by example by deploying applications that promote and increase business and citizen participation in the networked world

Each strategic goal and strategy also has success measures that outline how the connectkentucky Steering Committee will measure their progress in the future.  A copy of the full report can be found on the connectkentucky website at http://www.connectkentucky.org. 

“A strong information technology cluster is critical to Kentucky’s success in the New Economy,” said Dr. Bill Brundage, Kentucky’s Commissioner of the Office for the New Economy. 

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