Ryan Announces New User-Friendly Home Page For Illinois

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today unveiled the State of Illinois new Internet home page that highlights Illinois as a "pathway to history ... portal to the future." The home page can be accessed at www.state.il.us.

"The new home page provides citizens with a user-friendly way to access information and services in Illinois," Ryan said. "A state's home page is a first impression on the worldwide web. After viewing the State of Illinois page, we want people to know that we are proud of our history and we will continue our tradition of leadership in future advancements in technology and government services."

The new home page provides numerous new services and links to a wide variety of topics. "The page is organized by function and not by bureaucratic boundaries," said Mary Reynolds, the Chief Technology Officer, responsible for creating the concept and outline for the new page. Designers at the Department of Central Management Services created the graphics and design for the new look, while state agencies are responsible for the content of their agencies' separate sites.

Ryan's goal is to see each agency's website working in tandem to create a system where public information and service are provided 24 hours a day, seven days a week. "The Internet and webpages provide the forum for delivering services and information whenever citizens need it - not when our state offices are open," the Governor said.

Included on the new home page are: links to other constitutional offices and branches of government a "pull-out" page of the latest news releases organizational links with direct connections to: on-line services, Illinois facts, tourism opportunities, new Federal Clearinghouse, training opportunities, latest in technology advancements, Y2K issues the latest statewide weather forecasts.

"Almost all of the links from the home page have been redesigned and are aimed at being useful for citizens. We will continue to provide the most current information and technology available to anyone who visits our site," he said.