On Tuesday, Governor Mark Dayton proposed a $125 million technology upgrade for state government, including tighter cybersecurity protections.

His budget proposal includes $74 million to boost the state's cybersecurity defenses. The money would help the state hire more cybersecurity experts and create secure data centers. Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner Myron Frans said the governor is also proposing $51 million for improvements to the state's IT infrastructure.

On Wednesday, House Speaker Kurt Daudt (R-Crown) echoed this commitment to technology advancements in state government by creating a new House committee, the Select Committee on Technology and Responsive Government. This 10 member committee, chaired by Rep. Dave Baker (R-Willmar) will partner with members of the public to challenge state and local government to provide easy-to-use, technologically-safe interfaces for Minnesotans. Prospective focuses, according to a House Republican news release, include legacy systems, technology and low-income residents, land use and small agencies. “Our committee will listen to Minnesotans and examine how they interact with government. Ultimately, our goal will be to harness innovation to respond to the emerging needs of the public instead of catering to the outdated needs of government systems,” said Chair Baker.

Minnesota State is also focusing on technology upgrades. In its fiscal year 2018-19 Legislative Request, Minnesota State seeks $25 million for the critical technology replacement of the core information system, the Integrated Statewide Record System (ISRS). These upgrades would ensure efficiency in cost and operation, enhanced security and reduced risk, an optimal user experience for our students, staff, faculty and other constituents, and agility in utilizing features for analytics, reporting, mobile use, and most importantly, monitoring and promoting student success. Governor Dayton supports this initiative and has recommended investing $25 million for the replacement of ISRS, in addition to his recommendation for a $125 million increase to Minnesota State's operating budget for fiscal years 2018-19.

Leaders of the Minnesota Senate and House of Representatives announced three committee deadlines for action on bills for the 2017 Legislative Session:

• Friday, March 10 is the first deadline, where committees must act favorably on bills in the house of origin.
• Friday, March 17 is the second deadline in which committees must act favorably on bills, or companion bills, that have met the first deadline in the other body. Lastly,
• Friday, March 31 is the third deadline in which the House Ways and Means Committee and Senate Finance Committee must act favorably on major appropriation and finance bills.

The legislative session has a constitutional deadline to adjourn by Monday, May 22.