Topeka — Kansas has tied with Illinois as a national leader in information technology, according to a report released by the Progress and Freedom Federation and the Center for Digital Government.
Kansas and Illinois scored 98.1 out of a possible 100 in the fourth annual survey conducted by the center. Judges researched information technology in city and local governments, looking at eight categories. Kansas received perfect scores for social services and transportation.
Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the center, said the 2001 survey revealed a foundation for continued information technology growth nationwide.
"Certainly, states will be challenged to fine-tune their efforts and collaborate as never before," she said. "But the results of the survey show that governments clearly understand that technology is a tool to accomplish the nation's collective mission."
Rounding out the top 10 were Washington, Maryland, Arizona, Maine, New Jersey, Utah, Ohio and Michigan.
Don Heiman, chief information technology officer for the state, said Kansas' first-place finish was an accomplishment considering the competitive field.
Kansas was ranked 11th when the survey started four years ago. It has climbed each year, jumping from 10th two years ago to second last year.
Kansas was noted for its universities offering class registration and student loan applications online. The Kansas Bureau of Investigation has the first FBI-certified system for accessing criminal histories over the Internet.
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