Collaboration Issues Call-to-Action on Government Guidance
NASCIO Contributes to three practical decision tools to help government officials
write laws, regulations or guidance
LEXINGTON, Ky., Thursday, June 13 — Six national associations of government officials released a call-to-action guide designed to help promote trust in government by limiting government requirements to those that are essential. The call-to-action was issued jointly by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA), the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO), the Association of Educational Federal Finance Administrators (AEFFA), the National Association of Federal Education Program Administrators (NAFEPA), the National Association of State Auditors Comptrollers & Treasurers (NASACT), and the National Grants Management Association (NGMA).
According to AGA Executive Director Relmond P. Van Daniker, DBA, CPA, “The call-to-action is based on the premise that trust in any government erodes when it places unnecessary burdens on its people.” He said the call-to-action is comprised of three decision tools to help government officials in adopting requirements that are essential, that are expressed in plain writing and that underscore the importance of only collecting data that is needed and that will actually be used.
The tools provide a common way to evaluate the appropriateness and clarity of requirements, and the nature of data needed to assess programs. They include:
Tool 1: Determining Whether a Requirement Should be Included in a Law, Regulation or Guidance
Tool 2: Promoting Clarity through Plain Writing
Tool 3: Obtaining and Protecting Good Data
View the call-to-action guide at www.agacgfm.org/AGA/ToolsResources/documents/CollaborationSeries_Decision-Tree.pdf
“In an era of tight budgets, this call-to-action offers a concrete tool to help government officials leverage resources, increase program effectiveness and enhance accountability,” according to Van Daniker. “Rather than examine specific statutory or regulatory content, we provide tools to help government officials make decisions that will increase program effectiveness.”
The call-to-action was prepared by the Work Group on Leveraging Resources in Challenging Financial Times (Work Group), operating under the auspices of AGA’s Partnership for Intergovernmental Management and Accountability (Intergovernmental Partnership). The Partnership was established by AGA in September 2007 to open the lines of communication among governments. In developing the call-to-action AGA sought the involvement of associations and individuals who play a key role in developing and implementing a broad cross section of government requirements. Learn more about the Partnership at www.agacgfm.org/Tools—Resources/Intergovernmental-Partnership.aspx.
About NASCIO
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers is the premier network and resource for state CIOs and a leading advocate for technology policy at all levels of government. NASCIO represents state chief information officers and information technology executives from the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The primary state government members are senior officials who have executive level and statewide responsibility for information technology leadership. State officials who are involved in agency level information technology management may participate as state members. Representatives from other public sector and non-profit organizations may also participate as associate members. Private sector firms may join as corporate members and participate in the Corporate Leadership Council. For more information about NASCIO visit www.nascio.org.
AMR Management Services provides NASCIO’s executive staff. For more information about AMR visit www.AMRms.com/.
About AGA: AGA is the member organization for financial professionals in government. We lead and encourage change that benefits our field and all citizens. Our networking events, professional certification, publications and ongoing education help members build their skills and advance their careers.www.agacgfm.org
About AEFFA: AEFFA is a not-for-profit organization for state-level educational finance administrators working primarily with federal funds issues.
About NAFEPA: NAFEPA has been a key organization for educators working with federal programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act since 1974. The organization’s major functions of support, education, training and technical assistance are achieved through publications, an annual conference and a strong state represented board of directors. NAFEPA serves nearly 4,000 members across the nation.
About NASACT: NASACT is the professional organization for officials who have been elected or appointed to the offices of state auditor, state comptroller or state treasurer. www.nasact.org.
About NGMA: NGMA is a thought leader in grants management with members representing all types of grantees and federal agency grantors. NGMA offers a Certified Grants Management Specialist credential and a variety of training events including the Grants Management Body of Knowledge and other current grant topics. www.ngma.org
