Virginia Governor Creates Office for Telework, Broadband

With an eye toward easing traffic congestion, air pollution, and distributing employment opportunities more widely around Virginia, Gov. Timothy Kaine has created an Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance. The Office will encourage and promote telework activities for public and private employers, and work to advance innovative models that expedite the deployment of "last-mile" broadband technologies throughout the Commonwealth.



"Telework is a family-friendly, business-friendly public policy that helps us recruit and retain a high-quality workforce in a competitive job market," Governor Kaine said. "It also protects environmental quality and promotes energy conservation by reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions. Telework also allows a better balance between work and family."



With portable computers, personal digital technology, and high speed telecommunications links, many employees today can work almost anywhere at least some of the time. The Virginia General Assembly set a goal of shifting a significant number of jobs into alternative work schedules by 2010, which will involve expanded use of telework. State agencies are being surveyed to gather baseline data on the amount of telework currently conducted.



The Office will also actively promote the adoption and deployment of affordable broadband services throughout the Commonwealth.



Created by Executive Order, the new office will be housed within the Office of the Secretary of Technology. More information is available at http://www.technology.virginia.gov/.