A livestream will be online at https://access.live/PAlabor. Those without internet access can listen by calling 1-833-380-0719, however phone lines are limited so we ask that they be reserved for individuals who need them.

Participants using the phone lines can ask questions directly of our UC expert. Individuals livestreaming the town hall can submit typed questions that will be read to the UC expert by a moderator. To protect participants’ personal confidential information, detailed answers about individual claim questions cannot be answered during the town hall.

Unemployment benefits programs

In addition to the state’s regular UC program, Pennsylvania also oversees:

• Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) – for self-employed, gig workers, contractors and others not normally eligible for UC.
• Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) – additional 13 weeks of benefits to people who exhaust their regular UC.
• Pennsylvania’s Extended Benefits program – up to 13 additional weeks of payments to people who exhaust regular UC and PEUC benefits.
• Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) – extra $600 per week for anyone receiving unemployment benefits. Although this program has ended, eligible individuals who file for benefits retroactively may still receive FPUC payments for prior weeks of unemployment between April 4, 2020 and July 25, 2020 if they qualify.
• Lost Wages Assistance (LWA) program – extra $300 weekly benefit for claimants receiving unemployment benefits. LWA is not an unemployment program, but rather is a temporary federal program funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Improving UC Customer Service

Since March 15, L&I has paid nearly $28.5 billion in unemployment benefits.

The department has improved customer service by:

• 97% of eligible claimants who filed for regular unemployment compensation between March 15 and August 15 were either paid or were not eligible for benefits. The remaining 3% represents 51,802 cases that are pending resolution.
• UC service center staffing levels have increased 112% since March 15, with 775 employees supporting UC service center operations at that time compared to the current total of 1,640.
• Boosting UC support with employees working more than 310,369 total overtime hours since March 15, including in the service centers and all other areas of UC.
• Helping:

• 1,123,792 through email;
• 524,657,489 by phone;
• 152,040 by LiveChat; and
• 336,641 by Virtual Assistant.

L&I is continuing to focus on these customer service improvements but will not be truly satisfied until every Pennsylvanian who is eligible gets the unemployment benefits they worked hard for and deserve.

Important Resources and Links

• L&I Press Releases
• L&I COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
• L&I COVID-19 Media Center (includes previous town hall and UC media call recordings)

Additional unemployment benefits information is available on L&I’s website, Facebook or Twitter.

Harrisburg, PA – Investments in technology and the ability to telework have allowed the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to continue to fulfill its mission to protect Pennsylvania’s air, land and water during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While operating remotely, DEP has maintained oversight of regulated entities and responses to environmental emergencies.

“As an agency, we are doing our part to slow the spread of COVID-19 by transitioning our offices into fully remote operations,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Due to advances in software, DEP employees consistently maintain productivity while working remotely.”

Throughout the pandemic, state agencies have followed guidance for businesses issued by the Governor and Secretary of Health, including the recommendation for employees to telework, if possible. Approximately one-third of commonwealth employees are either teleworking full-time or splitting their time between telework and working onsite based on their job duties. The Office of Administration has also developed resources to support employees and supervisors while teleworking.

“Telework has been a long-standing practice for many private sector employers, as well as the federal government and many other states,” noted Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome. “Teleworking during the pandemic is a proven, common sense way to continue serving Pennsylvanians and protect public health.”

“In the future, telework has the potential to reduce costs for things like office space and parking and enable employees to continue working through other types of disruptions.”

The DEP employs more than 2,300 people throughout its Central Office in Harrisburg and six regional offices located throughout the commonwealth (Southwest Regional Office, South-central Regional Office, Southeast Regional Office, Northeast Regional Office, North-central Regional Office and the Northwest Regional Office). Additionally, the DEP has several regional district mining offices: Knox, New Stanton, California, Moshannon, Cambria and Pottsville.

From April 1, 2020 through August 31, 2020 DEP has:

• Reviewed and processed 23,368 permit applications and authorizations
  • 93 percent of permits with Permit Decision Guarantee were processed on time
• Conducted 31,801 inspections
• Responded to 136 environmental emergencies

Additionally, DEP leveraged its enterprise content management software, OnBase, to fully digitize the routing of all internal documents. OnBase is also being used to accept online applications for permit types that are not yet part of the department’s e-permitting system. To date, over 700 uploads have come through this new tool.

Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Human Services Dr. Perri Rosen will be joined by industry and healthcare representatives this afternoon for an open conversation about decreasing stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture. The discussion will be livestreamed on Facebook at 1:00 PM.

“Agriculture is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle led by proud Pennsylvanians,” said Redding. “But farmers are not exempt from the burdens of life. The stresses we all face as we maneuver living through a pandemic are compounded by uncertain markets, droughts and extreme weather and often pressures of running a generations-old farm.

“It’s as simple as reaching out to our neighbors and having honest conversations about mental health,” added Redding. “These small actions can help to break the stigma surrounding mental health in agriculture and build a stronger, healthier agriculture community in Pennsylvania.”

According to a January study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, farmers are among the most likely to die by suicide compared to other occupations. The study also found that suicide rates overall had increased by 40 percent. Time demands, financial issues, fear of losing the farm (and therefore a home), and the uncertainty of both weather and the economy all contribute to the mental health strain on farmers.

“Mental health is integral to good physical health and our overall quality of life, but unfortunately, it can still be challenging for people to talk about openly. This can make people feel isolated and create barriers to meaningful connection and support from those who care about us,” said Human Services Secretary Teresa Miller. “We must all work to build empathetic, supportive communities where people know that they will be heard and validated. Mental health affects all of us, and by recognizing this, checking in on each other, and offering to help, we can make sure people know that they never have to feel alone.”

Secretary Redding encourages farmers to start conversations in their communities and watch for signs of distress, including:

• Decline in care of crops, animals, and farm
• Deterioration of personal appearance
• Withdrawing from social events
• Increase in farm accidents
• Change in routine
• Increased physical complaints
• Increase in alcohol use
• Giving away prized possessions

The Department of Human Services offers free COVID-19 crisis counseling services through the Support and Referral Helpline, anyone feeling stressed, overwhelmed, alone, or anxious is encouraged to connect with a free crisis counselor by calling 1-855-284-2494. For TTY, dial 724-631-5600. Trained professionals are available 24/7 to help navigate unprecedented challenges.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is considering suicide, help is available. Reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact Crisis Text Line by texting PA to 741-741.

A Plain Communities Helpline is also available through WellSpan at Philhaven at 717-989-8661. The Plain Communities Outpatient Clinic provides high quality mental health care that is sensitive to the values of the plain sect community.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Today, Governor Tom Wolf thanked House Democrats for upholding COVID-19 mitigation measures that protect the health and safety of Pennsylvanians. The governor released the following statement:

“I am thankful to the House Democrats for continuing to stand with me and showing a commitment to working collaboratively to protect the people of Pennsylvania during this ongoing public health crisis. Pennsylvanians should be thankful as well.

“Throughout this pandemic, my administration has maintained that school districts should have local control on decisions over school sports and extra-curricular activities and has no intention of changing course on this recommendation. Important mitigation measures such as face coverings and consistently maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet must continue to be implemented to help contain the spread of the virus.

“The bill would have done nothing more than create legislation for something that already exists. Instead of wasting time on a veto override attempt on a superfluous bill, the Republican legislature needs to start taking this pandemic seriously by focusing on the health and safety of our children, staff, and teachers in their learning environments, minimizing exposure to COVID-19, and preventing the spread of this deadly virus.

“The Republican legislature should take action on my plan to help Pennsylvania and instead of taking votes on meaningless bills, should provide funding for child care, fund hazard pay for frontline workers, pass legislation to give sick leave to Pennsylvanians and legalize adult-use cannabis to provide funding for businesses impacted by the pandemic.”

Harrisburg, PA – Amid all efforts aimed at keeping Pennsylvanians safe from COVID-19, Pennsylvania has developed an enhanced testing strategy that makes testing accessible, available, and adaptable as the state learns more about the virus.

Today, Sec. of Health Dr. Rachael Levine, the commonwealth’s Contact Tracing and Testing Director Michael Huff, and Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman provided a comprehensive look at testing for COVID in the state with details about who should be tested and when, and how everyone should know about their insurance coverage.

“We appreciate the hard work done by health systems, pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), medical clinics and other entities that are providing testing for COVID-19 across Pennsylvania,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “When we established our testing strategy, we wanted testing to be accessible, available and adaptable and we are working to meet that challenge. Anyone who believes they have symptoms of COVID-19 can get tested today in Pennsylvania.”

Director of Contact Tracing and Testing Michael Huff outlined details of how all Pennsylvanians who want or need a test will have access to one. Priority attention will be given to those who are the most vulnerable.

Individuals will be offered testing based on a prioritized tiered approach using the following test types:

• PCR test, which is the Gold Standard, but supply and turnaround time could be a challenge.
• Antigen test, which is much more widely available, and results can be within the same day; however, there can be challenges with accuracy.

This prioritization supports public health officials, health care providers, and laboratories in determining who should be tested given the current environment of the COVID-19 pandemic in Pennsylvania.

Testing is prioritized by four tiers:

Tier One priority is for hospitalized individuals with signs or symptoms of COVID-19; symptomatic individuals who are close contacts to a positive case of COVID-19;  and asymptomatic individuals with certain underlying health conditions who are close contacts to a positive case of COVID-19.

Tier Two priority is for all other individuals with COVID-19 symptoms; close contacts of confirmed cases who are asymptomatic; individuals who are asymptomatic and who live in congregate care facilities; individuals who are asymptomatic and who work in health care, non-long-term congregate care facilities, home health care, emergency services, child and adult protective services, correctional facilities, and compassionate care and hospice services.

Tier Three priority is based on the COVID-19 prevalence in the community for asymptomatic individuals who work in areas that have frequent interactions with the public and may not have the ability to maintain at least six feet of space on a consistent basis. For example: retail and manufacturing and food services.

Tier Four priority for individuals who are asymptomatic and who do not fall into other categories.

“A foundational aspect of our testing strategy requires us to use available testing resources in an efficient and effective manner,” Dir. Huff said. “As the field of diagnostic testing evolves and antigen tests become more readily available, we must ensure that the most suitable type of test is being administered for our citizens. To that end, we continue building up our COVID-19 testing capacities to prepare for future outbreaks and surveillance to rapidly identify disease and mitigate it. The key is to quickly respond as the landscape changes.”

Another important aspect of testing is discrimination and inappropriate workplace testing. The state emphasizes that it is important that employers do not use testing to unintentionally discriminate against employees who have previously tested positive for COVID-19 (such as by preventing them from resuming work after they can do so in a manner consistent with public health and safety). This does not mean an employer must allow an employee who currently has COVID-19 to return to work before the employee’s infection is resolved, but symptom- or protocol-based criteria should be used in determining when an employee is safe to return to the workplace.

Insurance Commissioner Jessica Altman advised Pennsylvanians to know their coverage as it pertains to COVID-19 testing.

“No Pennsylvanian should forego testing for any reason, if deemed medically necessary, including fear of what it might cost,” Commissioner Altman said. “The Insurance Department wants to assure Pennsylvanians that if they lose their employer-sponsored health care coverage because their employment was affected by the COVID-19 outbreak, there are options available for them to continue coverage. In Pennsylvania, individuals and families can secure coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. In addition to the ACA, Medical Assistance, Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and COBRA are also options.”

Before getting tested for COVID-19, individuals need to understand what kind of health care coverage they have. The laws and regulations that govern health care coverage can impact different types of coverage in different ways.

Commissioner Altman outlined COVID testing for anyone with symptoms or a known or suspected recent exposure and who has health care coverage through a government program such as Medicare and Medicaid; health care coverage directly from an insurance company, the federal health insurance marketplace, through an employer (including through COBRA), or through Pennsylvania Employee Benefits Trust Fund (PEBTF).

Altman noted that with any kind of comprehensive medical insurance, including through Medicare, Pennsylvania’s Medical Assistance or CHIP programs, or private health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, testing is covered if your health care provider determines it is appropriate. When your health care provider says you need that test, all of these types of insurance provide coverage without any out-of-pocket costs such as co-pays or a deductible. This includes the test itself, but also any other costs associated with receiving the test such as the fee to the provider or facility administering the test.

In May, Gov. Wolf announced that through the federal stimulus bills providers of COVID-19 testing and treatment services will be able to be reimbursed for providing those services to uninsured patients.

“With COVID-19, our health has never been more on our minds and our health insurance coverage has never been more important to our peace of mind,” Altman said. “I want to stress that there are options, and that there is help navigating these complicated questions if you need it.”

All of the information discussed today is available in detail here.

Harrisburg, PA – Yesterday, Governor Tom Wolf and Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine announced the availability of the COVID Alert PA app that can notify users if they may have been exposed to COVID-19 without revealing their identity or location. Since the announcement, 50,000 Pennsylvanians have downloaded the app, and the governor is encouraging more to follow suit.

“I encourage all Pennsylvanians to download the app on a personal mobile device to help in the fight against COVID-19,” Gov. Wolf said. “The more people who download the app, the more effective it will be in helping to stop the spread of COVID. Please download it today and make your phone part of the fight.”

COVID Alert PA is a free, voluntary mobile app developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health in partnership with NearForm, UPenn and MIT Lincoln Laboratory using the Apple and Google Exposure Notification System. The app’s features include an interactive COVID-19 symptom checker, opt-in for alerts for potential exposures to the virus, updates on the latest public health data about COVID-19 in PA and advice for what to do if you have a potential exposure to COVID-19.

The app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa.”

The app is designed with privacy at the forefront. The app does not use GPS, location services, or any movement or geographical information. It will never collect, transmit or store personal information. In other words, it is completely anonymous.

Here’s how COVID Alert PA works:

• The app uses anonymous Bluetooth low energy proximity technology to know when your phone is within 6 feet of another phone with the app for 15 minutes or more.
• When an app user confirms a positive COVID-19 test result in the app, it will check to see if it matches any of the anonymous Bluetooth close contact interactions your phone has had over the last 14 days.
• If there is a match, COVID Alert PA may send an alert after taking into account the date, duration of exposure and the Bluetooth signal strength (which is used to estimate how close your phone was to the phone of the person having a positive test result).

“Our success in overcoming the virus depends on all of us and our collective behaviors, including wearing a mask, social distancing, proper hygiene and staying home if you feel sick,” Dr. Levine said. “The COVID Alert PA app is an additional powerful tool that can be used on a voluntary basis to help keep yourself and those you care about safe.”

Find more information on the COVID Alert Pennsylvania app here.

• Require all customers to wear masks while entering, exiting or otherwise traveling throughout the restaurant or retail food service business (face masks may be removed while seated). Further, employees are required to wear masks at all times.
• Provide at least six feet between parties at tables or physical barriers between customers where booths are arranged back to back.
• Ensure maximum occupancy limits for indoor and outdoor areas are posted and enforced.

Eight (8) new cases added Wednesday in Lycoming County now at 641 cases and one new death, 25 total deaths, with 12,745 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

898 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 152,544

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., September 23, that there were 898 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 152,544. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 16 and September 22 is 181,386 with 5,432 positive cases. There were 23,750 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 22. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 8,062 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 39 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“We know that congregation, especially in college and university settings, yields increased case counts. The mitigation efforts in place now are essential to flattening the curve and saving lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings, and telework will help keep our case counts low. Together, as Pennsylvanians, all of our efforts are designed to support our communities to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low.”

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 339 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 645 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 1,790,412 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Approximately 4% are ages 13-18;
• Nearly 13% are ages 19-24;
• Approximately 36% are ages 25-49;
• Nearly 22% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 22% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to date in September:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to nearly 70 percent of cases so far in September;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 37 percent of cases so far in September;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 31 percent of cases so far in September;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to nearly 29 percent of cases so far in September;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 19 percent of cases so far in September; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 17 percent of cases so far in September.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 22,331 resident cases of COVID-19, and 4,893 cases among employees, for a total of 27,224 at 962 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,360 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 10,419 of our total cases are among health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Sept. 22:

• Provided latest CMU metrics report.
• Launched COVID Alert PA app.
• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding today reminded Pennsylvania dairy farmers that the deadline to apply for the CARES Act-funded Dairy Indemnity Program, which provides financial relief for losses due to discarded or displaced milk during the COVID-19 pandemic, is September 30, 2020.

“Early in the pandemic, our dairy industry was in a complete free-fall with no certainty,” said Secretary Redding. “This program is providing much-needed relief to our farmers. If you know a dairy farmer that faced the hardship of dumping milk down the drain, urge them to apply for the Dairy Indemnity Program. This is not a hand out, it’s a hand up.”

The following are encouraged to apply for direct relief payments, losses must have occurred between March 6, 2020 and September 30, 2020:

• Any dairy farmer that experienced financial losses due to discarded or displaced milk and has not previously applied;
• Any dairy farmer who was assessed a fee by their cooperative for discarded milk and has not previously applied;
• Any dairy farmer who previously applied in the above categories, but only applied for $1,500 in losses or has incurred additional losses since their first application;
• Cooperatives that experienced a loss due to discarded milk on behalf of their member-producers and who have not yet assessed their member-producers for these losses may be eligible for reimbursement for those losses if funding is still available after all other claims have been paid.

Producers or cooperatives with questions about eligibility should contact Morgan Sheffield at

msheffield@pa.gov. Those ready to apply can do so online, by visiting the Resources tab found at agriculture.pa.gov/covid.

More than 1,300 applications have been submitted for the first round of $1,500 in direct relief. Losses above $1,500 will be paid with what remains from the $15 million that was allocated for this program at a pro-rated rate after the September 30 deadline, once all initial $1,500 payments are made.

Pennsylvania is home to nearly 7,000 dairy farms with an economic impact of $12 billion and more than 52,000 jobs. The commonwealth’s more than 500,000 cows produce more than 10.2 billion pounds of milk annually, ranking Pennsylvania seventh in the nation for total milk production.

For information as it relates to agriculture during COVID-19 mitigation in Pennsylvania visit agriculture.pa.gov/COVID. For the most accurate, timely information related to Health in Pennsylvania, visit on.pa.gov/coronavirus.

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Administration Michael Newsome announced today that three state technology initiatives have been selected as finalists by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) for its 2020 state IT recognition awards.

The projects are among 30 finalists selected from over 90 state nominations. Winners in 10 categories will be announced at NASCIO’s annual conference in October.

“Pennsylvania continues to be at the forefront of technology and innovation in state government, as evidenced by these three award finalists,” said Secretary Newsome. “The three initiatives selected as awards finalists demonstrate how Pennsylvania is leveraging data to improve customer service and achieve better outcomes for taxpayers across a variety of programs.”

NASCIO presents the Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Information Technology awards to states that have implemented exceptional programs that have made an important contribution to the operation of state government.

The three Pennsylvania finalists are:

Offering REAL IDs Pennsylvanians

PennDOT provides residents with several straightforward options to obtain a REAL ID. These include a “pre-verification” option that allows many driver’s license and photo ID holders to receive a REAL ID by mail within 15 days without having to go to a PennDOT office. The department also launched 12 new “REAL ID Centers” to supplement its 63 Driver’s License Centers to meet demand from customers who want a REAL ID right away or who cannot be pre-verified using existing PennDOT records. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Homeland Security has extended the REAL ID deadline to October 1, 2021, so the ability for many customers to get a REAL ID without going to a service center means PennDOT has been able to continue to fulfill many requests while offices were closed by the pandemic. Since implementing the project in March of 2019, PennDOT has issued more than 900,000 REAL ID driver’s licenses and photo ID cards.

Using Mapping Technology to Improve Maintenance Planning

PennDOT created a mobile GIS application called Maintenance IQ to improve maintenance planning and the management of equipment, workers, and other assets. The app ​uses data from ​existing PennDOT systems to better detect highway deficiencies, determine roadway treatments, plan operations, and monitor production. This helps to ensure projects remain on schedule and are initiated in the proper sequence. Maintenance IQ was also integrated with another PennDOT app used to collect data on guide rails, stormwater facilities, shoulders, and paved and unpaved roads. Maintenance IQ helps PennDOT complete the right maintenance or treatment at the right time, helps infrastructure last longer, and maximizes the value of taxpayer investments.

Identifying Risk Through Cybersecurity Analytics and Correlation

The Office of Administration continues to build upon its nationally recognized and robust cybersecurity program by analyzing and correlating large volumes of disparate data to develop key security risk indicators. These indicators are used to create a more comprehensive and nuanced picture of risk and to identify opportunities for cybersecurity investment. OA has used insights derived from this effort to refine its security awareness training for employees and contractors and to improve procedures for deactivating accounts when users leave. OA is currently working to expand the cyber analytics program to more quickly identify emerging threats that could affect the commonwealth’s IT systems and applications and to correlate risk assessment findings across multiple agencies.

To learn more about the NASCIO awards, visit www.nascio.org.