For Immediate Release
Date: January 25, 2007
Contact: Maura Browning
Phone: (573) 751-8222

Governor's Budget Opens Revenue Department's Door to Improve Technology

        JEFFERSON CITY - After Governor Matt Blunt’s State of the State address Wednesday night, Missouri Department of Revenue Director Trish Vincent is encouraged by the Governor’s new budget that includes access to important technology funds. Such vital resources can catapult improvement in the department’s antiquated computer systems and improve online services to Missourians.

        “Gov. Blunt has said Missouri has a ‘typewriter government in an Internet age’ and his recommendation to devote resources to improving the Revenue Department’s technology will be felt by anyone who pays taxes, has a driver license, or owns a vehicle,” Vincent said.

        Previous statewide efforts have consolidated IT departments and allowed agencies like Revenue to focus squarely on customer service and improvement. “We’ve continued to examine the inefficiencies of the older systems we use,” Vincent noted, “and improved funding can assist in implementing real behind-the-scenes changes that will make Missourians’ access to our services easier and more efficient.”

        Since Gov. Blunt’s first State of the State Address, the department has served thousands more Missourians during its extended office hours, has reduced government spending by using technology and public-private partnerships to improve services, and has continued its commitment to turn tax refunds around to Missourians in three days or less.

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