PUTTING TECHNOLOGY TO WORK FOR THE TAXPAYERS

 HARRISBURG, DEC. 6 – Legislation introduced by state Sen. Connie Williams that would allow for the use of an electronic postmark by Commonwealth agencies and vendors is a step toward using technology to save taxpayer money.

 The Senate Communications and Technology Committee today voted to advance Williams’ legislation (S.B. 770) with amendment. The bill would permit the use of the United States Postal Service Electronic Postmark for transactions between Commonwealth agencies and companies.

 “The intent of this legislation is to promote and encourage further use of technology in order to expedite certain filings with state agencies and to reduce postage costs for the Commonwealth, which ultimately means a savings for taxpayers,” Williams said. “With the technology that is available to virtually everyone today, it just makes sense to utilize it to save money and to expedite business with the Commonwealth.”

 The legislation would allow any state agency or entity, upon agreement with any other agency or entity, to use the USPS EPM to time stamp documents to verify that the content had not been altered. It also would allow the use of a return receipt component, which could be used in place of certified mail-return receipt requested.

 Williams, who is Democratic chair of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, made the decision earlier this year to make her newsletter available electronically, saving taxpayer money on postage to mail the piece. The newsletter is available on her Web site at www.pasenate.com/cwilliams.