Governor Receives Y2K Update From Cabinet Members

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor George H. Ryan today received a report from his cabinet members stating that with contingency plans in place, agencies have made every effort to make sure that critical state agency functions will be ready for the rollover from 1999 to the year 2000.

"The directors of our largest agencies and those that provide critical services to our citizens have assured me today that the State of Illinois is ready for the Y2K rollover," Ryan said.

Directors from 20 state agencies delivered their briefings on actions they have taken to prepare for the change from 1999 to 2000. Each agency also outlined the contingency plans that are in place in case problems arise. "The agencies reported that we are prepared to respond in case emergencies arise early New Year's morning, whether they are related to the Y2K bug or the weather," Ryan said.

At the Illinois Emergency Management Agency's Emergency Operations Center, state government officials will monitor government functions and services locally and globally. Ryan said officials will check the status of every county in Illinois during the rollover. The operations center will be fully staffed with state and federal officials beginning the afternoon of December 31 until such time as not necessary.

The Operations Center will coordinate state resources to respond to Y2K-related problems as well as other issues that may pose problems on New Year's eve such as bad weather or celebrations.

A written mid-December Y2K status will be available next week that outlines the readiness of state agencies by programmatic function. Y2K information is available online at: www.state.il.us/y2k