Our Opinion: Missouri posts advance in e-government

Access e-government via the state's website and, ironically enough, up pops the latest about e-government.

Missouri has cracked the Top 10 in the rankings of best states in the nation in providing e-government services online, according to Mo.gov, the Official Missouri State Website. Our state is ranked 10th in a new survey by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and The Information Technology & Innovation Foundation, both listed as nonpartisan foundations.

The 2010 New State Economy Index report, released this month, listed Missouri among the five most-improved states in the area of e-government. In the 2007 survey, Missouri ranked 32nd.

A news release from the Office of Administration contained the obligatory pats on Gov. Jay Nixon's back for his "leadership" and "call for greater transparency in state government."

Fair enough, but we're more impressed by the useful, practical applications the site offers for Missourians. Online services provide instructions, links and forms to: file an unemployment claim; obtain tax information; secure a job; locate a polling place; renew a driver's license or register a vehicle; and more. Missourians even may register their gardens for a chance to win prizes in the 10,000 Garden Challenge.

Missouri is advancing not only in e-government services, but in extending those services to more Missourians. Last fall, the state helped secure more than $261 million for 19 projects to bring broadband access to underserved areas of the state.

Missouri's leap from 32nd to 10th in e-government rankings is commendable. In embracing technology, the state provides added convenience for Missourians to access services, while saving both time and money.