Information technology is a valuable tool in reaching that goal.
States are eager to improve their information systems to better serve their clients and to respond quickly and efficiently to state and federal government requests. State and federal agencies, however, recognize that some federal regulations are redundant, lengthy, and burdensome on all parties. State human service programs have been working diligently for decades to integrate computer systems into the routine functioning of their programs. Twenty years ago, when states first began moving from paper to automation, programs needed to single out their information systems for financial support and oversight. Now, however, information systems are an integral part of programs.