CCW Releases Results of the Colorado Legislature Technology Survey
Respondents unanimously use technology to communicate with their constituents.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tempe, Arizona – In a recent survey of Colorado state legislators conducted by the Coalition for a Connected West, members unanimously agreed technology has changed their lives for the better. The members also acknowledged that technology has changed the political process by making it easier to communicate directly with their constituents.
According to the results of our survey, the Colorado legislature is well connected with their constituencies through technology. 100% of our respondents stated they used technology to communicate with their constituents and 50% of the respondents stated they have used a mobile device to send a message to a constituent.
"[The] Internet makes it easier for constituents to follow what we do through the state website and to contact us by email,” stated one legislator when asked how technology has changed their job as a legislator.
"Constituents today are extremely sophisticated when it comes to the use of technology; they are able to research bills and establish their own opinion in ways that were just not possible 20-10-or even 5 years ago,” said Tony Bradley, Executive Director for Coalition for a Connected West. "It is hard to believe that less than 10 years ago you had to try and convince an elected official that they needed a website; now technology is part of our daily life. It is nice to see elected officials embracing technology and social media as a way to communicate with the people they represent."
According to the results of the survey the most important issue was listed as "bridging the digital divide.” Bridging the digital divide is the increasing access and adoption of increasingly necessary technologies such as high-speed internet. According to a new Pew Internet Report the use of smart phones and wireless technology is helping bridge the digital divide. Individuals in low income/low access areas are choosing to go online using a smart phone instead of a computer. To do their part to help bridge the digital divide, legislative leaders need to support policies that foster innovation and investment wireless and broadband technologies.
The CCW survey also explored legislators’ opinions regarding online privacy, regulation, competition, and other modern uses of technology.
Highlights from the Colorado Legislative Survey
- Question 2: all respondents agree or strongly agree with statement that technology has changed tremendously in the last 5 years;
- Question 3: all respondents agree that technology has at least made their lives more convenient;
- Question 4: 5/8 believe state government should not increase regulations on wireless and Broadband
- Question 5: 9/10 were at least somewhat unaware of online collection and retention of personal data and browsing habits
- Question 6: 9/10 were at least moderately concerned with the collection and retention of personal information online
- Question 11: split on whether new regulations are needed to protect end users from harmful content on the internet (4 for, 5 against, 1 unsure)
- Question 14: the top technology issue in CO was listed as "bridging the digital divide.” "Traditional telecom” was the least important.
- Question 15: all respondents use electronic communications with constituents and all respondents use a mobile phone
- Question 28: cable service was the only telecom industry that a majority of respondents felt was impacted by insufficient competition. Wireless industry was regarded as highly competitive (8-to-1).
Demographics of the Colorado Legislative Technology Survey:
- There were 10 responses to the Colorado Legislature Technology Survey, which represents 10% of the legislature;
- 9 respondents are members of the House and 1 is a member of the Senate;
- 7 Democrats and 3 Republicans responded; and
- 2 Responded via our online survey, 8 responded by filling out the paper survey.
Click here to view the results of the Colorado Legislature Technology Survey.