Special panel will probe cost overruns, inefficiency within departments

State Rep. Mark Huizenga has been named chair of a special task force charged with examining information and technology systems used by the state.

The bipartisan task force was recently announced by state Rep. Shane Hernandez, who helps oversee the budget process and state spending through his chair position on the House Appropriations Committee.

“As a state, we are delivering services to the people we represent – paid for by the people we represent,” said Huizenga, of Walker. “These systems need to be easy to use. They need to not come attached with inordinate cost and they need to have good shelf life in terms of long-term efficiency. I am honored to be selected for this role and I will work with my colleagues to bring effective solutions through our research into this issue.”

IT is often used to describe computers and computer networks, but also includes all layers of systems within an organization – such as physical hardware, operating systems, applications, databases, storage and servers.

State departments often start IT projects that cost more and perform worse than expected, without crucial oversight to head off issues. A Department of Health and Human Services system related to tracking child abuse and neglect cases, for example, has received $231 million in the past several years and still has persistent and significant defects. About 40,000 Michigan residents were victimized and wrongfully accused of fraud between 2013 and 2015 by a faulty computer system used by the Unemployment Insurance Agency. A failed Secretary of State computer system overhaul started in 2005 resulted in service issues, lawsuits and cost overruns. The project has yet to see completion.

Huizenga brings experience to the newly created position. The first-term legislator has experience working with large organizations and their systems. Additionally, Huizenga is the owner of a software company that partners with hospitals nationwide to assist in managing their energy, waste, water and food utilization.

“We are in the midst of a technological evolution. While so many of our state systems are now controlled and run digitally, the cost in terms of dollars when errors or poor fiscal practices occur through IT is felt by the state and trickles down to the taxpayer,” said Huizenga. “They deserve a more nimble, efficient system from their state departments. Ultimately, the state is not in the business of IT.  The IT systems exist to facilitate the best most efficient delivery of services to our citizens.”

Huizenga looks forward to working with departments to ensure the state systems are working for the people. Joining him on the task force are Rep. Annette Glenn of Williams Township, Rep. Mary Whiteford of Casco Township, Rep. Terry Sabo of Muskegon and Rep. Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn.