Outdated Computer Systems Threaten State Services

UNDATED -  (AP) - States nationwide are dealing with outdated computer systems that provide crucial government services but are susceptible to crashes.

A July audit of the Colorado system that handles the state's financial reporting concluded there is a "significant risk" of a crash because of obsolete technology and programming code. A collapse would stall payments for food stamps and construction contracts and affect nearly every state agency.

Officials at the state's Office of Information Technology say they'll make a pitch for funding from the Legislature to start an upgrade and are working to have enough employees who are familiar with the system.

Minnesota, Mississippi and Tennessee implemented new financial reporting systems this year, and Virginia, California and Texas are doing so.

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers says some states don't have funding for new technology.

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