JSA2026 Commonwealth Budget: Volume XVI

Digital Governance and Tech Modernization

Jason S. Arnold for Governor of New York
Published: May 12, 2025
Contact: jaysarnold@icloud.com | (516) 586-0660 | https://jsa2026.com/

Introduction

Volume XVI focuses on one of New York’s greatest missed opportunities: the complete modernization of government operations, citizen access, and data accountability through digital transformation. NYS operates like it’s 1998—paper-heavy, siloed, and anti-user.

It’s time we build a state that moves at the speed of its people, not the pace of bureaucracy. This volume outlines a full conversion plan to digital services, civic platforms, and tech oversight.

Focus Areas

Each initiative includes:

• Estimated FY2026 Investment
• Problem
• Opportunity
• Recommendation

1. Statewide Civic Portal (“NY.Gov 2.0”)

Investment: $430 Million

Problem: Residents navigate dozens of disconnected sites, apps, and paper forms.

Opportunity: A unified, secure online hub for licenses, benefits, forms, permits, and elections.

Recommendation: Build a single sign-on portal with blockchain-backed identity, multilingual UX, and public-facing data dashboards.

2. Paper Elimination + Cloud Migration

Investment: $620 Million (over 3 years)

Problem: NYS agencies spend over $1.2B annually on printing, mailing, and paper-based records.

Opportunity: Cloud-based systems and digital records reduce cost, increase access, and improve disaster recovery.

Recommendation: Mandate all non-essential paperwork shift to digital by 2028. Incentivize counties with cost-sharing grants.

3. Cybersecurity + Digital Privacy

Investment: $880 Million

Problem: State systems remain vulnerable to ransomware, leaks, and data abuse.

Opportunity: Preemptive defense with open-source AI, MFA access, and a unified breach response team.

Recommendation: Launch NYS Cyber Defense Corps. Enforce mandatory breach disclosure and deploy AI-based intrusion monitoring.

4. Open Contract + Vendor Tracking System

Investment: $140 Million

Problem: No central platform exists for public review of government contracts or spending.

Opportunity: Real-time, searchable database of all vendors, contracts, and performance ratings.

Recommendation: Require all state-funded contracts be published online. Add citizen flagging tools and audit feedback forms.

5. Rural Broadband Expansion + Digital Equity Zones

Investment: $960 Million

Problem: Over 1.2 million New Yorkers lack stable internet access.

Opportunity: Closing the digital divide boosts education, telehealth, and local economies.

Recommendation: Deploy low-orbit satellite + fiber hybrids to targeted ZIPs. Require digital access plans from all school districts.

Closing Statement

Digital governance is not just about convenience—it’s about justice. A government that’s accessible, transparent, and responsive to every zip code isn’t a luxury. It’s the new baseline.

Volume XVI builds the tools New Yorkers need to see and shape the future. If Albany won’t modernize, we will.

Jason S. Arnold
Candidate for Governor, New York
https://jsa2026.com/
(516) 586-0660 | jaysarnold@icloud.com
#JSA2026 #CommonwealthBudget #DigitalNY #TheRightOne #ModernizeNY #TechForThePeople