Labor Advises on Modernizing Government

On Thursday afternoon, more than 50 of the nation's top chief executive officers participated in a White House forum on how the government can use technology to save money and improve performance. In addition to including top federal leaders in technology and government performance, the forum also reached out to federal labor groups for advice on how the government can streamline operations and become a better employer.

Colleen Kelley, president of the National Treasury Employees Union, said on Thursday that NTEU plans to highlight the difficulty federal agencies face in funding long-term technology projects, in part because of the government's annual budget cycle. Kelley also noted a need to lessen the government's reliance on outside contractors, and a need to provide federal employees with the appropriate equipment, such as laptops, in order to work remotely on a regular basis or in times of emergency.

"We know from experience that while coming up with fresh ideas -- or new twists on older ideas -- is necessary, that is only a single step in the process," Kelley said. "The laudable goal of improving government service requires an all-encompassing approach, addressing resources, staffing structure, training, equipment and leadership, including respecting the voices of the frontline employees who perform the work."

Federal employees and the general public can also contribute to the conversation on how the government can improve its use of technology. The online forum will take place on Friday at WhiteHouse.gov.