Shapiro aims to improve state websites, digital services with new order | Wednesday Morning Coffee

Good Wednesday Morning, Fellow Seekers.

In an executive order issued on Tuesday, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro outlined a plan to bolster Pennsylvanians’ digital experience with state-operated websites and services.

The order, which was announced by Shapiro at a press conference in Harrisburg, establishes the Commonwealth Office of Digital Experience (CODE PA), to lead efforts to “improve, streamline, and continuously adapt the Commonwealth’s digital services so that interactions between users and Commonwealth entities are simple, seamless, and secure,” according to the order.

“Pennsylvanians rely on digital services every day – whether it’s renewing a license, accessing their health care benefits, or reserving a campsite at a state park. We need to meet people where they are and make it easier to work with the Commonwealth online,” Shapiro said.

Shapiro has tapped digital experience professional Bryanna Pardoe to serve as CODE PA’s executive director. 

“My goal for this team is pretty simple,” Pardoe said. “I want to help make digital experiences easy for every Pennsylvanian and I want to make it the best in the country.”

The Shapiro administration reports that as of 2022, more than 250,000 people have made reservations through the State Parks and Forests digital reservations system.

Similarly, nearly half a million people filed their sales tax returns using the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s myPATH system in 2023. And, since 2021, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) has used their online service, PA VETConnect, to reach more than 10,000 veterans and their families.

“There should be no wrong door for Pennsylvanians looking to access government services — and under the leadership of CODE PA, we will create human-centered, user-friendly, reliable, and accessible digital services that create opportunity for Pennsylvanians to take advantage of all the resources and benefits the Commonwealth has to offer,” Shapiro said. 

Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. (Capital-Star photo by Cassie Miller.) Our stuff

From our partner’s at The Philadelphia Tribune: Center City District annual report highlights Philadelphia’s economic recovery

ICYMI:

Rozzi urges Pa. Senate to pass standalone survivors’ amendment, Peter Hall reports.

From D.C. Reporter Ashley Murray: U.S. House GOP plan would expand work requirements for food aid for older adults

Also from D.C.: Biden administration warns U.S. House GOP debt limit bill would slash education

On our Commentary Page this morning: Heather MacDonald asks if Fox News will learn from the Dominion settlement.

Katie Shipp writes that survivors of sexual assault in the commonwealth have waited long enough for justice. 

Elsewhere

Police Killing Looms Over May DA Race in Eastern Pennsylvania, Bolts Magazine reports. 

From Public Source: ‘I put my fighting gloves on a lot faster.’ How understanding foster parents may mean ‘life or death’ for trans kids.

A Bill allowing counties to process mail ballots early clears first hurdle in Pa. House, according to Spotlight PA and Vote Beat reporting.

Judge denies final PFA against Erie County Executive Davis, according to Go Erie/Erie Times-News.

The Scranton Times-Tribune reports: Ware, Hayes battle in only contested judicial race in Lackawanna County.

The ceiling of the main Rotunda inside Pennsylvania’s Capitol building on Tuesday, May 24, 2022. (Photo by Amanda Berg for the Capital-Star).

What Goes On10 a.m.: Lawmakers and Advocates will hold a rally for HB 300, also known as the Fairness Act, on the Capitol steps.

12:30 p.m.: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and House Speaker Joanna McClinton will hold a press conference on bipartisan breast cancer legislation on the Lieutenant Governor’s balcony in the Capitol. 

And now you’re up to date.