About OTPBA

Importance of the Initiative

Encouraging telework is a family-friendly, business-friendly public policy that promotes workplace efficiency and reduces strain on transportation infrastructure. It is incumbent on state government to support public and private sector efforts to promote widespread adoption of telework efforts.

A key success factor for the adoption of telework is the availability of affordable broadband level telecommunication services. Because of the critical role broadband plays in the deployment of advanced applications such as telework, widespread access to broadband services is critical to the economic well-being of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Access to broadband provides communities with the foundation necessary for economic growth and a sustainable quality of life. At present, too many communities both urban and rural are not afforded access to broadband telecommunications and hence deprived of their ability to participate in enhanced social, education, occupation, healthcare, and economic development opportunities. It is critical that all Virginia communities have equal and affordable access to broadband telecommunications. Also, ubiquitous broadband will enable the Commonwealth to lead the nation in the deployment of high technology services and applications.

Establishing the Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance

By virtue of the power vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and Title 2.2 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby establish the Office of Telework Promotion and Broadband Assistance within the Office of the Secretary of Technology. The Office will consist of a director appointed by the Secretary of Technology and additional professionals as the Secretary shall determine.

The director shall have the following duties:

Promoting and encouraging use of telework alternatives for public and private employees, including but not limited to appropriate policy and legislative initiatives.
Support the efforts of both public and private entities within the Commonwealth to enhance or facilitate the deployment of, and access to competitively priced, advanced electronic communications services (commonly known as "broadband") and Internet access services of general application throughout the Commonwealth.
Specifically work towards establishing affordable, accessible broadband services to underserved areas of the Commonwealth and monitor advancements in communication that will facilitate this goal.
Advocate for, and facilitate the development and deployment of applications, programs and services including, but not limited to: telework, telemedicine, and e-learning that will bolter the usage of and demand for broadband level telecommunications
Serve as a broadband information and applications clearinghouse for the Commonwealth and a coordination point for broadband related services and programs in the Commonwealth.
Advise the Secretary on broadband adoption, deployment and application issues.
Coordinate activities regarding telework with, and regularly report to, a board consisting of the Secretaries of Administration, Commerce and Trade, Finance, Technology and Transportation. The Secretary of Technology shall serve as chair of the board. Additional members may be designated by the Governor. Staff support to this group shall be provided by the offices of the Secretaries of Technology and Transportation.

This office shall not have the power to consolidate or otherwise have authority over advanced communications projects being conducted by public or private bodies outside of the executive branch of government. Staff support to the effort shall be provided by the offices of the participating cabinet secretaries, and the Governor shall designate additional agencies to provide staff support as necessary.

This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 12th day of September 2006.

Timothy M. Kaine, Governor