NASCIO Voices
NASCIO Voices
NASCIO Wrapped for 2025: Policy Themes That Defined NASCIO's Work This Year
Today Amy and Alex talk about the issues that dominated NASCIO this year from AI and EA to procurement and accessibility. Plus we share what was on our Spotify Wrapped lists and our musical ages.
Hi and welcome to NASIO Voices, where we talk all things state IT. I'm Amy Glasscock in Lexington, Kentucky.
SPEAKER_01:And I'm Alex Whitaker in Washington, D.C. Today we're taking a look back at the policy themes that define NASIO in 2025.
Amy Glasscock:Much like we did last year and much inspired by our music streaming app's year-end review, it's NASIO Rouch for 2025. Instead of a by the numbers overview, we want to talk in broader themes. So let's get into it. All right. Yeah. So uh I of course we have to start with AI. It's still very much top of mind. Um, sort of looking back though at what NASIO did around AI this year compared to last year. In our episode where we kind of wrapped up the year last year, we had written five AI-related publications in 2024. This year we did one, and that was um harnessing Gen AI to elevate the citizen experience with Accenture. So I thought that was interesting because AI is still very important, obviously. I also spent less time going to um strategic partner conferences and talking about AI this fall than I did last fall. Last fall I was gone like every week in October, it seemed like um so I'm not really sure what that means, but what I think it means a little bit is that AI has just been a bit demystified. I think last year uh states and you know organizations were kind of like, what is this? How are we gonna use it? You know, what's this all about? And you know, it's still a huge priority for states, but and you know, it was number two on the top 10 list for 2025 versus three the year before versus not on the list at all the year before that. But you know, this year we saw states moving from just having pilot projects to scaling it in real ways, and it's just becoming a regular part of the state technology toolbox. So um I think it's just sort of becoming more fundamental to how states are working. States are embracing it, but like at the same time, still dealing with constraints like limited budgets, expectations of citizens, and their hesitations as well. And then just, you know, on sort of on another topic of how we're seeing this issue evolve, um, what we saw this year is uh we're not just talking about generative AI anymore. We're starting to talk about agentic AI, regular AI, pre-gen AI is still a thing. And so we actually changed the name of our generative AI working group to the emerging AI working group to reflect kind of the forward-looking nature of AI capabilities.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. So, Amy, what I heard there is that you and NASIO did such a good job in 2024 explaining to states what's going on with AI, you just didn't have to do as much in 2024.
Amy Glasscock:Or maybe Doug was just the one out there talking about AI and nobody invited me. I don't know.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, well, in a minute we'll talk about sort of federal affairs, and I I have some some similar thoughts on um it is interesting how it's changed one year from the other um when it comes to AI because it moves so quickly. So um awesome. All right. Well, we also had a huge procurement thing. Uh we had our first publication, which was improving RFPs with user research, how summary sheets can improve solicitations with USDR. Um, and if you're thinking that's a boring topic, you need to read it because it is awfully exciting for at least a niche audience. So great, great, um, great publication there. Um, but also our 2025 presence initiative was demystifying state technology procurement, um, which I know is really an interesting read. I have checked it out. And as our our own Meredith Ward says, procurement ruins lives. Uh, but we are trying to address that with these documents, and I think you'll find that it no longer ruins lives. Doesn't need to. Yeah, doesn't need to. Um, and there was also a great one pager that's accessibility and procurement, which you can find on our website. And for myself and doing a federal relations procurement is something that I not I don't usually get involved in. So I think for me, just reading those documents was really helpful to get a good handle on kind of what goes into it and and why it's so important. So, and you know, procurement really the the theme reflects the times that we're in and and a greater awareness of needing to address things like AI and cybersecurity and privacy and accessibility in the procurement process from the get-go. I mean, it's not things you can kind of like fix later on, it's something you really need to kind of have a handle on from the beginning. So, highly, highly recommend that uh folks check out those uh those publications.
Amy Glasscock:Yeah.
SPEAKER_01:But of course, we also have done some great work and seen some really interesting things when it comes to accessibility, a lot of which is led by Kalia, who has done just great work. There is again a one-pager. I I mentioned the accessibility procurement also has accessibility themes. Highly recommend checking that out, as well as a really great study that we did or report, I guess is the better word, on the economic case for digital accessibility and why, you know, you sure you you have to do it sometimes, but there's also a reason why. And and I think that um you can really see a lot of benefits to it. But then I'm really excited. Um, I know Kalia is um leading the first ever State IT Accessibility Coordinators Leadership Summit. What, just next week in Lexington? Yeah. So um I know that's gonna be a really interesting gathering. So good luck to Kalia and everybody who's joining. I know it's gonna be great.
Amy Glasscock:Yeah. I guess I should say that that will be going on as this podcast is being released. Um so we're recording this the week before. But yeah, so you know, and just this is not like the first time that we've ever talked about accessibility. We've been writing about it at least since 2015 um by my research. But, you know, the the DOJ final rule on accessibility has really spurred this to the top of the priority list for states, and it made it onto the top 10 list for the first time last year. And so um, you know, all of that is kind of pushing this greater uh theme around accessibility that we've seen this year. Yeah, absolutely. And so um I also want to mention it seems weird to say we had an enterprise architecture theme because we're always talking about enterprise architecture, and it's so fundamental to the work that state technology offices do. But Eric Sweden did work on a three-part series this year, um, and it included a strategic blueprint for state CIOs. So it's that was part one. Part two was a guide to state government continual transformation, and then part three was a critical design first discipline for managing complexity and change. And so, you know, I think with so much change that we're seeing right now, we can really see the importance of good governance and good enterprise architecture practices to really help states navigate this new era of technology that we're finding ourselves in. And Eric also worked on the first ever state chief data officer survey, and you know, that's just really kind of signals the growth in that role in states and an increasing understanding of the importance of good data governance, especially as we are trying to use generative AI for things. That the data is so important that it that it be well governed and clean.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, absolutely, really interesting stuff. But of course, federal affairs was also a big topic, of course, but that's uh that's my role. So that's what I've been focusing on all year. And it has been a really busy year for advocacy in federal affairs. You know, first, obviously, we had a new administration come in. Yeah. Um and I, you know, I say new administration quotation marks, obviously the second iteration of the Trump administration. Um, but there have been a lot of changes and shakeups this year. We've seen some really significant cuts to federal agencies that states rely on when it comes to cybersecurity at CISA and FEMA. We have had a lot of concerns about funding. You know, the Trump administration put out an executive order earlier in the year saying that it would be shifting more responsibilities to states for cybersecurity. And I think it's something that NASIO understands, but we if that's going to happen, we do uh want to see that there is commiserate levels of funding and support. So one of the ways that we've been really um working on the funding issue is, of course, by getting the state and local cybersecurity grant program reauthorized. Um, we've made some really great strides this year. We had um two awesome CIOs, Mark Raymond of Connecticut and Alan Fuller of Utah, come up to testify before a House committee on how important the SLCGP was. Strongly encourage folks again check out our website. Um, we've got some related links to their testimony there talking about how important SLCGP is. It seems Congress is agreeing with us on the importance of SLCGP. We have seen a reauthorization bill for the Pillar Act, which is the vehicle the House is using to reauthorize the program, pass under suspension of the rules in the House. Meanwhile, over in the Senate, Senators Cornyn and Hassan have introduced a uh reauthorization vehicle for SLCGP. But also we saw a temporary extension of the program along with the temporary extension of CISA 2015 in the government shutdown agreement a few weeks ago. So I think we are really making great strides to explain how important that grant program is to states and to localities. Um so hopefully in 2026 we'll see an actual reauthorization of it. So that's a lot of what we've been doing around federal funding and the grant. But of course, as well, you know, as I mentioned a little while ago, AI has really been a big focus for us at NASIO. Mostly in fighting efforts in Congress and the administration to preempt all state laws and regulations that would address AI. You know, I understand the need in industry for continuity, for stability. I get that argument, I understand it, I'm sympathetic to it. But I don't think that that should come at the expense of states' ability to take some basic steps and precautions to protect citizens and improve cybersecurity. So, to that end, we have done several letters and statements and meetings trying to explain to our colleagues on the Hill and in the administration why a moratorium is just not a good idea. Congress has agreed twice so far this year, but it looks as though we are gonna see an executive order that pursues the state moratorium. So kind of unclear exactly what that's gonna mean. I think there will be a lot of legal challenges to it. But again, it is something that NASIO continues to argue against. And again, I just just to clarify for the record, we want to be partners with industry on this, but we want to find a collaborative solution, um, not just kind of a blanket moratorium. So that's the big stuff with federal affairs. There's always other things going on, but those are the things that have kind of really been taking up a lot of my time, especially over the last few months.
Amy Glasscock:Yeah, and I will say uh Alex was working well into Thanksgiving week, right up to Target Day itself. And so hopefully your winter break is a little more quiet.
SPEAKER_01:I'm hoping, but we'll see. So yeah, that's a lot of what's going on with Federal Affairs. Again, though, as I've said a few times, check out our website. We've got links to all the letters and statements that are up there. But I think uh Amy, if it makes sense, we can go give a few uh just other kind of by the numbers uh stats for our listeners.
Amy Glasscock:And I know I said we wouldn't do a by the numbers, but we do have a few by the numbers just to kind of wrap this up nicely.
SPEAKER_01:All right, so by the numbers, we had 12 major publications, 35 plus speaking engagements with strategic partners and others, five state testimonies, and um over 12 letters or statements on federal issues. Um I will say we also I just want to point out we did testify before Congress as well. So very busy when it comes to those publications.
Amy Glasscock:Amazing. We had 30 plus virtual events slash webinars on topics like cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, accessibility and procurement, many of our themes this year. Three working groups, including our accessibility working group, probably should have included that when we were talking about accessibility, enterprise architecture and generative AI slash now called emerging AI. And then uh by the end of the year, we will have 21 podcast episodes, and we did celebrate our 150th episode this year.
SPEAKER_01:Nice. Busy year.
Amy Glasscock:Absolutely. And so, as we did last year, I think it's very important. Um, our listeners want to know what was on our Spotify rap this year. So, Alex, what would you like to share with us?
SPEAKER_01:Sure. Yeah, well, first I will say that like you, Amy, and like many who listen, I'm a parent. So my Spotify rap was largely dominated by my children. But I will say, uh my top artist was Zach Bryan. Um my top song was Open the Gate by Zach Bryan, which my wife is literally so tired of hearing that song We Drive Somewhere, I think it's been banned. Um, but that was followed up closely by K-pop Demon Hunters. Oh, yeah. Uh, and I think Golden was the number one song. And I I can't blame my children. When when they leave, I'm still listening to it. So, you know, it's a good, it's a good combination. But K-pop and uh Zach Bryan are my my top two. How about you, Amy?
Amy Glasscock:All right, well, mine is the one that's like on our smart speakers, so it's kind of a reflection of what's happening in our house, not just me, but um top artist Taylor Swift. Can't blame anyone else really but myself for that one. Number two, Steven Schwartz, who is the composer of the Wicked soundtrack. Okay, a lot of Wicked playing. Um, my daughter is a huge Wicked fan, and the songs are really good. Number three, Fish. Um been heavily influenced by my husband. Um Sabrina Carpenter, which I was surprised. Um, I do like her. And then um Hunter X, K-pop Demon Hunter's girl group.
SPEAKER_01:Of course. It's just gotta be on there.
Amy Glasscock:Yes. Our top song was Tweezer, which is by Fish. Um, because my husband has it programmed to play at 5 p.m. every Friday, so it's played at least like 52 times or whatever. It's so funny. He won't be home, and then all of a sudden he'll just come on, or I'll be listening to something and it will change over. Um Cruel Summer, August, Fortnite, all uh Taylor Swift and number five golden, like yours. So uh nice. I also noticed that it this year told you your musical age. And so proud to say I'm 32 years old. I've always said I you know, I struggle. Am I am I Gen X? Am I a millennial? I'm solid millennial when it comes to music at least.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, my age was 22. Whoa. Which uh and I and I so there was one artist I didn't mention. Um there's a rapper named Big X the Plug. Okay. Um and now I am not necessarily a fan, but my kids are obsessed with a song that he sings called Texas, which is not appropriate for them, but they've decided they love it. And I think that between him and K-pop demon hunters, that would, that's what really lowered my age.
Amy Glasscock:That's that's true. That probably uh reflected mine as well. Um I I do have a friend who's a couple years younger than me, and his age was like 61. That's really funny.
SPEAKER_01:I j I joke with some friends that I'm gonna listen to only Mozart next year, so my age will be like 400.
Amy Glasscock:400. That's awesome.
SPEAKER_01:All right, but since Spotify forgot to ask us to send a video to our top fans, we are recording a message for you here.
Amy Glasscock:Hey Nassio Voices fans, it's your favorite podcast host coming to you rap style to say, wow, you really listen this year.
SPEAKER_01:Like a lot. Are you okay? Should we check on you?
Amy Glasscock:You spent more time with us than your procurement office spent reviewing an RFP.
SPEAKER_01:You heard us talk about modernization, workforce, mainframes, and of course, AI.
Amy Glasscock:And yet, you came back every single episode.
SPEAKER_01:So from the bottom of our government tech policy loving hearts, thank you.
Amy Glasscock:Here's to another year of big ideas, big acronyms, and even bigger download numbers. Happy NASIO Voices wrap. Thanks again for listening to NASIO Voices. NASIO Voices is a production of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers, or NASIO. Learn more at NASIO.org.
SPEAKER_01:And we'll be back next time with Eric Sweet to hear all about state CIO's priorities for 2026 and what's on the top 10 list for next year.
Amy Glasscock:Can't wait. Talk with you then.
SPEAKER_01:See ya.
Amy Glasscock:Happy NASIO voice. Wow.
SPEAKER_01:One, two, three. Happy NASIO voice voices wrapped. I don't know what's wrong with me. I can't say it.
Amy Glasscock:We're not used to talking at the same time.
SPEAKER_01:I don't know.