Minnesota Governor Wants Budget Insights From Citizens

A new Web site will give Minnesotans a chance to weigh in on the state’s budget process.

The Citizen’s Budget Outreach Web sit was designed to gather the public’s thoughts on the state budget process.

In a news release, Governor Tim Pawlenty said, “Direct and candid feedback from Minnesota citizens is an important step in defining the most important functions in state government.’’

Throughout December, Minnesotans can visit the site to fill out a short survey regarding priorities and the state budget.

One question asked survey takers to rank the state’s spending priorities, assuming that no new tax revenues will be available. Mr. Pawlenty, a Republican, has pledged not to raise taxes.

States Offer Info On Handheld Computers

At least five states — Louisiana, Michigan, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia — are providing special Web content for anyone with a PDA. Also known as personal digital assistants, PDAs are handheld computers that help users stay organized and in touch. Simple models have calendar functions and address books, but more sophisticated models can send and receive e-mail and view Web pages. South Carolina and Virginia provide Web pages specially designed for the small screen size of a PDA.

Best States For E-Government

Tennessee and Maine are the best states for e-government in the U.S., according to the fifth annual e-government analysis conducted by researchers at Rhode Island’s Brown University.

Researchers analyzed 1,569 state sites (an average of 31.4 sites per state) in June, July and August 2004.

The top ranking states include Tennessee, Maine, Utah, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Indiana, Texas, Delaware, and New Jersey. The most poorly performing e-government states are West Virginia, Mississippi, Wyoming, and Nebraska. Arizona ranked 18.

Web sites were examined for features including online publications, databases, language translation, premium fees, user payments or fees, disability access, online services, digital signatures, credit card payments, e-mail addresses, comment forms, PDA accessibility, quality control and readability.—