Q2 2023 Quarterly Report

Agency Updates

Minnesota Department of Education Prepares for Free Lunch Program

In March, the Legislature passed the MN Free Schools Meals bill providing one free breakfast and one lunch, regardless of income, to every student at schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program. MNIT worked with the Minnesota Department of Education to update the School Nutrition Program application, which resides in CLiCS (Cyber-Linked Interactive Child Nutrition System), by the beginning of May to opt schools into the state-funded program. The CLiCS application made it a seamless process for participating schools to be included in the new program as part of their annual renewal process. Additionally, the project also included updating CLiCS to include the new Minnesota Free School Meals rates for the 2023-2024 school year.

EMSRB Primary Service Territory Creation

MNIT’s Geospatial Information Office partnered with the Emergency Medical Services Regulatory Board (EMSRB) to convert text-based PDFs into geographic boundaries to display ambulance service primary service areas. The project makes it easier to navigate and understand ambulance service coverage as a whole and for each geographic area. By developing an interactive map that provides a visual representation of the primary service areas, accompanying descriptors can provide specifics about each area’s coverage. Previously, the primary service areas were only defined by text-based descriptors. A link to the map can be found on EMSRB’s website and the map is searchable in ArcGIS Online.

Update Allows for Employees to Display Preferred Names in Microsoft 365

MNIT partnered with Management and Budget to update the state’s HR system to begin the process to automate how employees’ preferred first names display in Microsoft 365 tools like Outlook, Teams, and SharePoint. Employees’ legal name will continue to be their primary identity in the system, but the process will allow them to use what they prefer to be called in day-to-day settings. New and re-hired employees can enter their preferred first name directly during the onboarding process; HR staff enter existing employees’ preferred first name in the HR system.

Minnesota Pollution Control Updates Mass Notification System for Staff

MNIT partnered with the Minnesota Pollution Agency to update its mass notification system to send both emergency and non-emergency notifications to staff in a timely and efficient manner. Notifications include information on things such as tornado warnings, gas leaks, and other events requiring action. The previous system only allowed notifications to hard phones (like desk phones), text messages, and email. With many employees now working remotely, the system has expanded capabilities to send messages out to additional sources including soft phones, desktop notifications, and more.

Office of Cannabis Management Website Launch

On May 30, 2023, Governor Tim Walz signed a bill legalizing cannabis use by adults 21 and older. By nightfall of that day, MNIT in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) launched the Office of Cannabis Management website.

The Office of Cannabis Management regulates cannabis (including for the adult-use market, the Medical Cannabis Program, and lower-potency hemp edibles) and will issue licenses and develop regulations outlining how and when businesses can participate in the industry. Recognizing there would be considerable public interest, the three agencies took a proactive approach and leveraged technology to provide Minnesotans quick access to information. The website provides a one-stop resource that’s easy to navigate for visitors.

State of Minnesota Plans to Adopt WCAG 2.1

The State of Minnesota will update its digital accessibility standards to reflect new guidelines – Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1. After researching the impact on both state employees and potential value for end users, MNIT’s Office of Accessibility formed a cross-agency steering committee to lead the adoption efforts. With an expected effective date of March 1, 2024, the steering committee will prepare state agencies and their employees with the resources and direction they need to plan, design, and create or buy accessible information and technology that supports WCAG 2.1.

Mobile device management

MNIT rolled out 2 Mobile Device Management (MDM) service options available starting July 1, 2023. All state-owned devices must use MDM Limited at a minimum, but some agencies are upgrading to MDM Full Service. Learn more about the benefits of Full Service MDM.

Self-service desktop deployment

MNIT now has a self-service option for computer replacements. This gives state employees flexibility in scheduling, reduces staff time, and gives you the level of support people want via in-person or virtual appointments, curbside pickup, and shipping – whatever type of replacement works best for them.