The Origins of the North Star Project ===================================== PART ONE In July 1997, North Star will become the official public sector-wide government online project for Minnesota. It received a $935,000 total budget for two years and has its "legal operating system" now in law. With an eye to the future, I thought it might be useful to reflect on where we have come from and what a tremendous success it is to have finally received both Executive and Legislative support for moving aggressively forward with electronic access to government information and services. In January 1994 a draft proposal for a coordinated government online service was released. The Minnesota Public Information Network name was quickly dropped for Access Minnesota. When the legislature changed direction toward a policy council, the Government Information Access Council, the name Access Minnesota was given to the Extension Service-led Internet public access terminal project. The Government Information Access Council was formed in the fall of 1994 and will cease to exist in July, 1997. North Star, work started as a demonstration project through GIAC/Information Policy Office/Department of Administration/ University of Minnesota in the winter of 1995 with a public launch that summer. In the summer of 1996 North Star was transferred with GIAC to the new, and now legislatively confirmed, Office of Technology. For more information on the current North Star Project, please see: http://www.state.mn.us/devcenter/nsfuture Sincerely, Steven Clift Project Coordinator, North Star June 2, 1997 Date: Monday, 24 January 1994 10:48am CT To: net-people@nic.state.mn.us, metronet@vm1.nodak.edu, libnet@mr.net, net-people@mail.unet.umn.edu, tc-all@mail.unet.umn.edu, ednet@mr.net, mcowork@vm1.nodak.edu, STEVEN.CLIFT From: STEVEN.CLIFT@MNEMC2 Subject: Legislative Proposal - Minnesota Public Information Network (DRAFT) This is a DRAFT proposal from the Electronic Access to Public Information Task Force of the Information Policy Office, Minnesota Department of Administration. This is probably the first time a draft proposal of this nature has been released electronically within government and to the public in Minnesota. Please send us your comments and suggestions by February 4, 1994 as indicated in the text of this document. As of January 20, this proposal has been presented to the full Electronic Access Task Force and the Information Policy Council. They are just beginning to review this proposal. The one thing that is guaranteed is that this proposal will change as it moves toward and through the legislature process. This draft proposal is more of a concept paper and much of this proposed activity does not require legislative action, but the overall concept and funding will need legislative support. While I have been researching and developing this proposal since early fall, (I have been on the Internet for two years and run a public policy (PUBPOL-L) electronic mail list at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs) the timing of its release is very good. It should be of interest to a number of people and gain some public attention. On a lighter note, I think government interest was illustrated by the good turnout we had at our Task Force meeting on January 18 when it was about -20F. I have a new theory about why Minnesota is known for having innovative government programs: we spend our cold winters thinking up good ideas for public services because there is little to distract us. If this is a relative theory inversely related to how cold it is, the Minnesota Public Information Network should be a great proposal. However, we need your feedback to ensure that it is developed with broad government and public support. Sincerely, Steven L. Clift Information Policy Office steven.clift@state.mn.us MINNESOTA PUBLIC INFORMATION NETWORK Legislative Proposal DRAFT - FOR REVIEW AND COMMENT Information Policy Office Department of Administration State of Minnesota January 18, 1994 Electronic Version - Release 1.1 Prepared by Steven Clift Information Policy Office For the Electronic Access to Public Information Ad-hoc Task Force MINNESOTA PUBLIC INFORMATION NETWORK Legislative Proposal - Draft for Review and Comment Introduction During the 1993 legislative session, a proposal was introduced that raised a number of issues around the need to improve public access to government information and the delivery of services through the use of information technology. The Information Policy Office, with the support of the Information Policy Council, established the Ad-Hoc Electronic Access to Public Information Task Force to address those issues and propose an overall strategy for coordinated state-wide electronic public access and service delivery. Summary The Minnesota Public Information Network will be established to improve public access to government information and the delivery of government services through the use of information technology. This draft legislative proposal covers the purpose, responsibility, and authority of the MPIN. The MPIN will assist government planning, coordination, and collaboration to ensure that the public interest is served through the creation of an open, accessible, and organized electronic communication enviroment for the citizen's interaction with government. It will develop access methods to government information through a common access point that use multiple information technologies. Most information and services will be provided by State agencies, local governments, educational institutions, libraries, and other government units through the expanding government information networks. This proposal takes the approach that the use of information technology in services to the public need to be integrated into the work of a government unit. It also defines a set of information resources, the "Tools of Democracy" that are important for citizen participation and should be made available at no or low cost. It is proposed that the MPIN be administered through the Department of Administration. A direct Legislative funding request will be developed and it is likely that Federal matching funds will exist for planning and demonstration projects. The final section lists a number of recommended changes to the Data Practices Act to ensure electronic access to public information and it addresses some other important issues. Comments and Suggestions This proposal will be widely circulated in both paper and electronic formats. Written comments and suggestions are requested through Friday, February 4, 1994. The proposal will then be written into legislative form for consideration during the upcoming legislative session later in the month. Please send your comments to the IPO: Electronic Access to Public Information Task Force c/o Steven Clift Information Policy Office Minnesota Department of Administration 320 Centennial Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 Telephone: (612)297-5561 Fax:(612)296-5800 Electronic Mail: steven.clift@state.mn.us MINNESOTA PUBLIC INFORMATION NETWORK 1.0 Overview - A Time for Action The time for action is here. The demand for government services is outstripping the public resources available. This requires that Minnesota develop more effective and efficent ways to deliver public services. The use of information technology in the interactions between the public and government will be a public investment that will allow us to develop those methods. We are in a new information era and with it comes opportunities for the citizens of Minnesota and their government. Advancing information technologies and expanding information networks make the citizen a more active and energetic information consumer and producer. The challenge for our democratic society and its governing institutions is to determine how we will use this energy and possibility to address the public challenges that face us all. Whether it is Vice-President Al Gore giving a speech about the "information super highway," another cable and telephone company partnership, or a story about the millions of people using electronic mail, we sense that a fundamental shift in how communication determines what kind of world we live in is occurring. The State of Minnesota must begin to address these challenges by concentrating its efforts on organizing a portion of this new communications environment. The Minnesota Public Information Network (MPIN) will be established to improve public access to government information and to improve the delivery of services to the public. The general purpose of the Minnesota Public Information Network is to make government more open, efficient, effective, and responsive to each and every citizen through the application and use of a wide array of information technologies. It will help build and organize an electronic communications environment that will allow the citizen to interact with all levels of government by concentrating on improving public access to government information and the delivery of public services. While the private sector and government as a whole addresses the building of the "information super-highway," and the development of more advanced information technologies, the Minnesota Public Information Network will create a central coordination point for government information in electronic form. It will be built with citizen, government, and private sector involvement and with the needs of the information consumer in mind. While the Nation determines what "universal service," "open access," or "public-right-of-way" will mean in this new information age, Minnesota will work to ensure that its citizens have information tools, resources, and services to make those concepts mean something. Note: The flow chart graphic has been omitted from the electronic version. If you are located within North America and would like a copy, I will fax it to you upon request. Please send me an e-mail message at XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX with subject: Fax Chart Request. [NOT AVAILABLE] Minnesota Public Information Network 2.0 PRINCIPLES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND AUTHORITY The MPIN will be responsible for developing a state- wide, comprehensive, and coordinated public access system to government information and services. It will provide leadership in planning and help set Minnesota's direction in the creation of major government information resources and initiatives geared toward the public. It will help coordinate and bring together demonstration and planning projects. It will work to ensure that the public interest is served through the creation of an open, accessible, and organized electronic communication environment for the citizens and their government. 2.1 Guiding Principles 1. It is in the public interest to improve and promote public access to government information in electronic forms. 2. It is in the public interest to use information technology to improve the delivery of public services and to encourage more convenient and efficient transactions between the public and government. 3. The application of information technology in communications between government and the citizen is by its very nature interactive and should be used to help the citizen access and develop an interchange with government institutions. 4. Scarce resources and significant costs make it imperative that government entities at all levels coordinate their efforts and integrate these activities into the whole of their organizations in order to achieve the best possible outcome for the public. 5. Government collaboration and cooperation must ensure the inter-operability of public access systems, a diversity of information sources, and the development of an open, accessible, and organized electronic communication environment that is user-friendly. 6. This communications environment must be designed from the citizens' perspective and allow for broad public involvement in its growth and development. The public access system should also be developed with an understanding of the global nature of information networks and of the important role the private sector will play in the development of the Nation's information infrastructure. 7. The MPIN must work to ensure universal service and open access to government information and services through libraries, schools, businesses, and homes through telecommunications and information networks. 2.2 Responsibilities and Authority 1. Lead statewide planning efforts and assist state agencies, local government, educational and other public sector entities in the planning and development of information resources and services geared toward the public. 2. Coordinate and assist demonstration projects at all levels of government in this area. With sufficient funding, the MPIN will help support initiatives requiring matching funds from the Federal government or other funding sources. (See funding section 5.0) 3. Ensure inter-governmental coordination and collaboration and the adoption of general standards and protocols where appropriate. These standards must be flexible and anticipate the introduction of new technologies and applications. 4. Ensure that planning and project evaluation efforts include public involvement and user feedback. This should also include an evaluation of consumer interest and demand. 5. Develop a pro-active approach in the promotion of public access to government information and improved delivery of services. 6. Develop outreach, training, and education efforts geared toward the public and government. 7. Develop positive relationships with community-based and civic networks, Freenets, commercial information services in order to broaden public access to the state-wide public access system. 8. The MPIN is not authorized to serve as a network service provider (i.e. full Internet access, sale of individual electronic mail accounts, etc.), where other commercial, non-profit, Internet providers and government telecommunications networks are more appropriate. (i.e. USWest, Minnesota Regional Net, MNet (STARS), etc.) 3.0 COMMON ACCESS, RESOURCES, AND PUBLIC ACCESS METHODS 3.1 Common Access Point and Government Information Locator System The MPIN will create a government information locator system and a common access point. The common access point will bring together all networked government information resources and services in order to present a "single-face" to government that is organized and user-friendly. The government information locator system would provide details on possible government information resources and provide directions on where to obtain government information not accessible through the common access point. The distributed nature of government information networks and resources will require an approach that understands that participating government units will likely be the primary information creators and providers. Also, the expansion and increasing inter-operability of government information networks and the need for government agencies to integrate electronic access and service delivery in to their work at all levels, will require a coordinated approach. The past models of information service centralization will not meet the requirements of the new information age. These systems will be accessible through the Internet (see Section 3.5) and through dial-up connections with a modem and computer. As digital data networks expand, whether it be through a "digital dial-tone" or through cable television lines, the MPIN will seek to ensure that these services are accessible through those networks. Also, the common access point must support widely accepted network applications and government information resources must be flexible enough to allow access through multiple interfaces and applications. During its initial phase, the common access point will provide access to Minnesota government based information servers that are geared toward the public, government sponsored computer bulletin boards and databases, library catalogs, local, educational, Federal and other important public sector information resources and to the "Tools of Democracy" which are described in the next section. INFORMATION RESOURCES AND SERVICES 3.2 General Information and Services State agencies, local governments, educational institutions, and other units of government produce and distribute information in the pursuit of their mission. This is the kind of information that governments are beginning to distribute electronically. In most cases, through information servers housed at a government agency, they will provide access to the electronic equivalent of newsletters, brochures, press releases, reports, and other publications. Of the 14 government agencies present at the first Electronic Access to Public Information Task Force meeting in October 1993, almost all reported current activities or plans in this area. Governments are also developing more convenient and efficient ways to deliver services to the public through the use of information technology. These transactions with government may take place in the home, at a public access terminal, or through an information kiosk. Examples of services include renewing motor vehicle tabs, ordering an official copy of a birth certificate for mail delivery, or registering for an interview at your local Jobs and Training Office. 3.3 "Tools of Democracy" The MPIN will plan and help develop major state-wide information resources and tools that will provide means to help the citizen access the government bureaucracy, find government information, offices, and services, and improve democratic participation. These core information resources must be made available to the general public at no or low cost. Local and regional units of government will be encouraged to complement these tools with information resources that encompass similar information geared toward their citizens. The "Tools of Democracy" include: A. Directory of Government Services and Institutions - This directory would be a combination of the State Telephone Directory and the Guide to State Agency Services which would eventually cover all levels of government and allow for easy access to government contacts within government and by the public. (A Request for Proposals has been issued by the State for the integration of disparate electronic mail systems and for directory services which should offer a base for activities in this area.) B. Legislative Information - The MPIN will work with the State Legislature and the Revisor's Office to provide electronic public access to legislative information including public information newsletters, bill text and summaries, meeting schedules, research reports, and other information vital to promoting citizen participation and understanding of the legislative process. This also includes electronic access to the basic text of the State Statutes and Rules. (The House of Representatives and the Revisor's Office have developed "Gopher" servers that are accessible through the Internet at: gopher.revisor.leg.mn.state.us . It is likely that these legislative branch gopher servers are currently the most developed in the world.) C. Governor's Office, Constitutional Officers, and Executive Branch Information - The MPIN will work with the Governor's Office to make important documents, releases, speeches and proclamations available to the public in electronic form. Much of the core information about the Executive Branch and information from the offices of other Constitutional Officers will be contained in the "Directory." The MPIN will provide access to the information resources and services developed and maintained by those offices through the common access point. D. State Virtual Public Library - Working with the various networks of libraries in Minnesota, an information system containing the digitized text of important government documents and publications will be created. This is a long-term project that will require planning, the major involvement of the State's libraries, and an allocation of resources. 3.4 Fee-Based Services and Transactions Many of the services of this type would likely find an increase in demand for their services if they made them available through the common access point. The Data Practices Act allows agencies to charge a fee that recovers demonstrated information development costs when it is commercially valued. In most cases, this type of public information is on individuals, entities, or properties. Many of the currently operational government information services are the result of demand from the private sector for information. In many cases the State Legislature has developed special requirements that state agencies fund the provision of those resources through fees on the information user. Examples include the electronic provision of business registrations by the Secretary of State or motor vechicle record searches in the Department of Public Safety. (Section 6.0 more fully addresses some issues in this area.) Another type of fee-based service might include an information service geared toward a narrow constituency. The agency might decide that this service should not be subsidized by the taxpayers as a whole because the benefits are received by a small portion of the public. In these cases, the agency may charge no more than the cost to provide the service. However, when such a service is made available through the common access point the agency may be able to support an expanded level of service due to an increase in demand. The third fee-based arrangement may include the enhanced delivery of a public service or government product, like a form, license, etc.. In some cases the development of an enhanced level of service may be supported by what amounts to a surcharge to support the operation and development of that service. This is used to support a portion of the costs for a number of kiosk networks in other states. PUBLIC ACCESS METHODS 3.5 Internet and Dial-up Connections The Internet is often referred to as a precursor to the "information super-highway". It is a global network of networks that allows for the transfer of digital information of all kinds. It will likely provide the most cost efficient method to ensure broad public access to government information over the long run. In the short-term allowing for dial-up connections and public access terminals to the common access point will need to be available. The most frequently cited Internet information server is called "Gopher." The software was developed by the University of Minnesota and is now used around the world to present basic textual information and link access points to other information systems. For those with a high-speed data connection, it is possible to use a program called Mosaic which allows for the use of graphics, linked text, sound, etc. through these networks. Also, some cable systems and telephone companies in the United States are now offering high-speed digital access to the Internet. The MPIN will work to assist the public sector in efforts to take advantage of these advancements, but will ensure that technological capacities do not create barriers for the public attempting to access government information or services. 3.6 Electronic Mail Distribution The MPIN will develop an information server that can distribute selected government information and documents through electronic mail and eventually through a fax-back system. This server will allow most citizens who have commercial or Internet electronic mail accounts to retrieve documents by sending basic commands to the server. This is based on a model currently used by the USDA Extension Service and the Americans Communicating Electronically initiative. To test their systems, send an empty e-mail message to: info@ace.esusda.gov . This server will also have mailing list capabilities (often referred to as a "listserver") that will allow agencies to broadcast or distribute information to established lists of subscribers. State agencies and other government units will also be able to use this server to develop electronic mail working groups for a specific program or within the context of their mission. This server will not be the host of general social or political debate which should remain unencumbered by government sanction or oversight. 3.7 Kiosks The MPIN will be the host for the coordination of an information kiosk initiative. This initiative will involve interested State Agencies and other units of government. The information kiosks will be used to improve the delivery of public services and allow for transaction based services. The MPIN will be responsible for the development of a general kiosk platform and network for government use in Minnesota. Kiosk initatives are highly visible and currently provide the best platform for secure transactions between a member of the public and government services. The Info/California kiosk effort and the activities of other states need to be fully examined and the lessons from their experience should be integrated into Minnesota efforts. 3.8 Clearinghouse The MPIN will develop a clearinghouse on the use of information technologies, including interactive voice mail response systems and fax back retrieval systems, used to improve the dissemination of information or delivery of services to the public. This clearinghouse will also collect information from sources both inside and outside of Minnesota on information services and activities used in the public sector. The MPIN will also use its electronic mailing list capabilities to establish links for the sharing of knowledge and experience among those government units using or developing plans to use specific information tools in their interactions with the public. 4.0 MPIN LOCATION AND STRUCTURE 1. The Minnesota Public Information Network will be administered through the Department of Administration. 2. The Information Policy Council and the Information Policy Office (IPO) will act as the advisory bodies to MPIN. 3. The MPIN will create working groups that involve other units of government in statewide planning, the development of major services, assist with the creation of standards and protocols for public access systems, and work to integrate the use of information technology into government interaction with the public generally. 4. The IPO will have the ultimate authority to establish standards and protocols for government organizations to follow in the development and use of information kiosks, network applications and systems used to access government information, government computer bulletin board systems, and other systems that allow electronic access to government information and services. These standards and protocols must be flexible in nature and not constrain the use of new technologies and applications. They must focus on ensuring the development of user-friendly systems and the creation of common government electronic communication environment. The MPIN will work with the IPO in this area. 5. The IPO and MPIN will report on policy issues that arise during the development and implementation of this initiative. They will also lend advice on issues related to government access to the advancing information and telecommuncations networks and develop policy guidelines and recommendations for legislative action. The IPO must address the development of fee guidelines to assist government units in pricing of information services according to the Data Practices Act. 6. The MPIN will issue a report during the 1995 Legislative Session on how it proposes to carry out its mission and meet its responsibilities. 5.0 MPIN FUNDING AND RESOURCES Appropriations and other funds made available to the Minnesota Public Information Network for staff, operational expenses, and grants will be administered through the Department of Administration. The majority of the initial planning, demonstration, and general operating resources will come from an appropriation from the Legislature and matching grants from the Federal government. The MPIN will explore the issue of whether it should establish fees to fund a portion of the operating costs and future development of information resources and public access systems. It is likely that major public investment in this area will be spread out across all levels of government. This view fits with the perspective in this proposal that the use of information technology to improve public access and service delivery must be integrated into the work of government. The MPIN will assist government units by developing a state-wide framework and with an appropriate level of funding, issue grants for planning and demonstration projects in this area. 5.1 Legislative Appropriation The MPIN will request a $__________________ appropriation for FY95 for the first phase of the development of this initiative. They will return to the Legislature with a budget request for FY96-97 during the next legislative session. 5.2 Federal Matching Grants The United States Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), will be releasing a request for proposals for its National Information Infrastructure Planning and Demonstration Grants Program in the near future. The MPIN will apply for major matching grants in the areas of state planning and demonstration projects. The total amount to be distributed this year is $26 million. (Pending U.S. Senate approval the authorization for FY95 is $100 million and FY96 is $150 million.) It looks like they will be allocating sixty percent for demonstration grants, twenty percent for local planning and twenty percent for state planning. Overall, if Minnesota received only two percent of the total matching grants in these areas it would total over $500,000. The NTIA expects proposals to come from all levels of government and from other organizations. With adequate funding, the MPIN will assist selected Minnesota based proposals. This assistance may include contributions toward planning or demonstration projects of up to the full amount required by the Federal matching grant program. We will be watching for more details about this program as they emerge. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE DATA PRACTICES ACT 6.0 ENSURING ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO PUBLIC INFORMATION Minnesota Statutes Section 13.03, Subdivision 1. requires that for public data, "The responsible authority in every state agency, political subdivision and statewide system shall keep records containing government data in such an arrangement and condition as to make them easily accessible for convenient use." The advancing use of information technology and information networks in both business and society requires that government maintain a relative level of convenience. The amendments to the Data Practices Act will affirm this analysis by establishing the State's interest in promoting electronic access to public information and the use of information technology to improve the delivery of public services and allow for electronic transactions. 6.1 "Tools of Democracy" Define a core set of government electronic information resources that must be provided at no cost or low cost to the general public. These "Tools of Democracy" (as mentioned in the MPIN section) are geared to help the citizen break through government bureaucracy, find government information, offices, and services, and improve democratic participation. The core information resources are: 1. Legislative information, reports, documents, meeting notices and bill text. 2. Releases and official documents of the Governor's Office 3. Basic text of State Statutes and Rules 4. State Telephone Directory and Guidebook to State Agency Services or a new combined electronic version thereof. Agency Service's or a new combined electronic 5. Development of a Statewide Virtual Public Library over the long-term. 6.2 Equity of Access to Fee-based Services Government units that provide fee-based information services must also ensure equity of access to public information contained in those services. Options include on-site public access terminals, arrangements by the government unit with public libraries or other institutions, a rebate system, time-based no-fee or subsidized access (non-peak hours), or a base time or search allotment of free trial access. Note: The current Statute allows agencies to charge a fee no higher than it costs to provide an information "service" that goes beyond basic "convenience". In cases where the information has "commercial value," fees may be set to recover "actual development costs of the information." The cost savings or benefits to both the consumer of government information and services and to the government itself will be difficult to measure until such services are developed. This proposal, which establishes the "Tools of Democracy", assumes that specialized information services created by an agency and a core group of client institutions, for example, may require a fee based set-up to fund the development and delivery of such a service. The question of when an information service should subsidized by the taxpayers as a whole must be viewed within the context of a government unit's mission and authority. 6.3 Public Access to Search Tools Establish the right of public access and use of electronic search and database tools. In situations where a government unit has created a database or information system where the value of the information, or combination/manipulation of pieces of public data is affected by the use those search tools the public shall have the right to use those search tools. Government units shall have the authority to determine how best to ensure access, but it is the State's interest to promote both on-site and remote access. 6.4 On-site Electronic Inspection The notion of electronic inspection will be established as it relates to the public's right to view information stored on-site in electronic form. Government units must ensure that the public has access to public information in whatever form, but may develop policies and procedures that maintain the security of their information system. These policies and procedures must not deny the public the right to inspect government information in a timely manner nor may they inhibit the public's access to the available public information. (In some cases an agency may have an employee assist someone or they may ultimately print the information and allow inspection that way.) 6.5 Government Subscription-based Publications in Electronic Form If a government units function is to develop and distribute fee-based subscription based information in print form, the addition of electronic dissemination or access may be integrated into the overall fee structure. A government unit may choose to provide subsidized or free access to past publications and must provide for electronic dissemination when possible and found to be in the interest of the information consumer. (i.e. State Register, etc.) 6.6 Monopoly Control Prohibited without Statuatory Exemption Units of government shall not enter into agreements that provide for exclusive of monopoly control of public information in electronic form through a single commercial entity unless provided for under Statute. This does not prohibit non-government entities from offering value-added services that contain public information. Also, government units may enter into non-exclusive agreements with commercial or non-profit information services. 6.7 Commercial Provision of Public Information The provision or sale of public information by a commercial information provider must contain accurate information on how and where that information may be obtained directly from government. This applies to situations where the information has not been enhanced significantly or was copied from the government information providers public access system without an agreement between the government unit and the commercial information provider. This section represents a balance between the private entities right to use the public information for whatever purpose and the public's right to access it as established by government. 6.8 MPIN and Non-exclusive Arrangements with Non-Government Entities The Minnesota Public Information Network is authorized to establish non-exclusive arrangements with commercial and non-profit information and network service providers. These arrangements may allow access to the state-wide public access system through those service providers. Fees may be established in accordance with the Data Practices Act, but should be structured to ensure broad public access. This provision, for example, could provide for access to the state-wide common access point to be available through a community-based information network or Freenet at no cost to that provider. A commercial information provider through negotiations with the MPIN may be charged a fee associated with the commercial value of the information service. END OF DRAFT PROPOSAL Version 1.0 Paper version to Task Force, IPC, and others Version 1.1 Electronic release with minor grammatical edits This is short summary that was presented to the Information Policy Council on January 20, 1994: Minnesota Public Information Network Highlights The Minnesota Public Information Network will: * Improve public access to government information and the delivery of services to the public through the use of information technology. * Help organize an user-friendly electronic communications environment that will allow citizens and businesses to interact more effectively and efficiently with all levels of government. * Lead state-wide planning projects and help bring together demonstration projects from all levels of government that are geared toward the public. * Provide outreach, training, and educational programs for government and the public. * Develop a common access point to government information and services that can be accessed through multiple technologies and applications. This will include the use of the computers, public-access terminals, and kiosks through the Internet, dial-up connections, and through future high- speed information networks that will provide service to homes and businesses. * Be funded through an appropriation from the Legislature and through potential Federal matching grants. * Be located within the Department of Administration and the Information Policy Office and the Information Policy Council will act as advisory bodies. State Agencies, Local Governments, Libraries, Educational Institutions, and Other Government Units will: * Be the primary information and service providers through the common access point that is coordinated by the Minnesota Public Information Network. The expanding information networks will allow government units to develop, organize, and maintain responsibility for the information and services they provide from almost any location. * Need to integrate the use of information technology throughout their organization to assist in its dealings with the public where useful and appropriate. * Begin to develop plans and proposals for public information electronic access and service delivery. The MPIN will be a major information resource in this area and will help develop collaborative projects that allow government units to pool their resources and expertise. This will help address budget constraints for both large and small government organizations * Participate in working groups organized by MPIN to help government units share knowledge, expertise, and develop appropriate and flexible standards and protocols for public access systems. ----------------------------------------------------- Comments and Suggestions Please send in your written comments and suggestions by Friday, February 4, 1994. The proposal will then be written into legislative form for consideration during the upcoming legislative session later in the month. Electronic Access to Public Information Task Force c/o Steven Clift Information Policy Office Minnesota Department of Administration 320 Centennial Office Building St. Paul, MN 55155 Telephone: (612)297-5561 Electronic Mail: steven.clift@state.mn.us