Labor requests IT modernization funds

Department of Labor Fiscal 2005 Budget Overview

The Labor Department would get a 2 percent increase in information technology funds for modernizing management systems and other projects under President Bush's fiscal 2005 spending plan.

The $407 million request includes $33.6 million to continue a coordinated and centralized IT investment strategy being administered by the chief information officer. The request is a $14.6 million decrease from this year's level

The funds would be used for enterprise architecture and upgrading the department's core infrastructure, such as local-area networks, software, cabling and telecommunications. It will also be used for e-government initiatives. The budget also proposes $25 million for a new core financial management system.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration's Program Evaluation and Information Resources activity, which establishes technology standards and operates the agency's computer infrastructure, Internet sites and applications, would see an increase of $3.8 million, to $17.7 million, next fiscal year. The increase will help enhance network security and privacy, telecommunications expansions and development of Web-based training.

The budget also proposes $99.4 million for new methods of providing employment and related information through One-Stop Career Centers and its America's Labor Market Information System, which provides standardized labor market information through various media and formats for job seekers, employers and workforce development professionals. However, the budget proposal doesn't spell out what improvements will be made to ALMIS.

The Labor Department's overall budget for next year is $57.3 billion, a reduction of 4.5 percent from this year's level.