Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 18, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke launches Access Washington – online customer service for Washington's citizens

OLYMPIA – Washington citizens and businesses just gained access to the state's new Internet portal. Gov. Gary Locke today launched Access Washington, bringing citizens easy access to government information and services around the clock over the Internet.

"With a click of the mouse," said Gov. Locke, "People can find jobs online through the WORK Job Search. Businesses can file and pay taxes electronically. Homeowners can find out whether contractors making home improvements are registered and bonded. Kids can come home from school and get help with their homework at Just for Kids."

Developed and managed by the Department of Information Services, Access Washington (http://access.wa.gov) replaces the award-winning Home Page Washington and adds a new level of transaction-based services. Access Washington indexes government information already on the web in a manner friendlier to citizens – and creates a unified look for online government services. The new homepage is organized with a navigation bar, a news story and featured services that make it easier to do business with Washington state government. Highlighted services include: Environmental Permit Assistance, WORK Job Search, Contractor Registration Inquiry, Vehicle Excise Tax Calculator and Electronic Tax Filing

Special features take Access Washington beyond a typical government web site. For example, visitors to the site can send digital "postcards" of Washington scenes to family and friends. Just for Kids links kids to fun learning sites especially designed for children. The WA WIZ QUIZ – an interactive trivia game – features interesting facts about Washington. A link to TVW increases access to the state's public affairs television network. The Lottery's winning game numbers are featured daily. And news stories about state government change daily.

"I commend the entire Access Washington development team including Steve Kolodney of the Department of Information Services for harnessing technology to better serve our citizens and businesses," said Gov. Locke.

The Access Washington team includes a cabinet-level subcommittee chaired by the governor's chief of staff Joe Dear and the governor's technology adviser Chris Hedrick. The subcommittee members –Tom Fitzsimmons (Ecology), Carver Gayton (Employment Security), Fred Kiga (Revenue), Gary Moore (Labor & Industries), Evelyn Yenson (Licensing) and Steve Kolodney (Information Services), ensure a coordinated approach for online interaction with government.

Winner of the Digital State Award two years in a row from the Progress and Freedom Foundation, Washington leads the nation in the use of information technology to deliver services to citizens and improve government operations.

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