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Buttigieg Underscores Urgency of Transportation Infrastructure Investment

Republican lawmakers are skeptical of the scope of the Biden administration’s planned infrastructure package, which the president is expected to provide more details on next week.

Nextgov

Biden Commits to Investing ‘Closer to 2%’ of GDP in Science Research

The president referenced infrastructure, immigration, quantum computing and much more in his first formal press conference.

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Lawmakers Urge Internet Companies to Join New Discount Broadband Program

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, slated to start at the end of April, will provide discounts on internet service to struggling households.

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The FCC Wants Your Feedback to Improve Broadband Access

In an effort to create more accurate maps detailing broadband connections and service, the Federal Communications Commission is collecting first-hand accounts from users.

Nextgov

Deputy Federal CIO on Fate of Trump-era IT Policies

The Office of American Innovation, Cloud Smart and the Federal Reskilling Academy are some of Trump-era tech policies left behind. Now the Biden team must decide what to do with them. 

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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.”

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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.

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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. 

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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

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.

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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.

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‘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.

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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.