December 10, 2025 • 17 mins
Today Amy and Alex talk about the issues that dominated NASCIO this year from AI and EA to procurement and accessibility. Plus we share what was on our Spotify Wrapped lists and our musical ages.
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Amy Glasscock (00:05):
Hi and welcome to NASIO Voices, where we talk all
things state IT.
I'm Amy Glasscock in Lexington,Kentucky.
SPEAKER_01 (00:11):
And I'm Alex Whitaker in Washington, D.C.
Today we're taking a look backat the policy themes that define
NASIO in 2025.
Amy Glasscock (00:18):
Much like we did last year and much inspired by
our music streaming app'syear-end review, it's NASIO
Rouch for 2025.
Instead of a by the numbersoverview, we want to talk in
broader themes.
So let's get into it.
All right.
Yeah.
So uh I of course we have tostart with AI.
It's still very much top ofmind.
Um, sort of looking back thoughat what NASIO did around AI this
(00:41):
year compared to last year.
In our episode where we kind ofwrapped up the year last year,
we had written five AI-relatedpublications in 2024.
This year we did one, and thatwas um harnessing Gen AI to
elevate the citizen experiencewith Accenture.
So I thought that wasinteresting because AI is still
very important, obviously.
(01:02):
I also spent less time going toum strategic partner conferences
and talking about AI this fallthan I did last fall.
Last fall I was gone like everyweek in October, it seemed like
um so I'm not really sure whatthat means, but what I think it
means a little bit is that AIhas just been a bit demystified.
I think last year uh states andyou know organizations were kind
(01:24):
of like, what is this?
How are we gonna use it?
You know, what's this all about?
And you know, it's still a hugepriority for states, but and you
know, it was number two on thetop 10 list for 2025 versus
three the year before versus noton the list at all the year
before that.
But you know, this year we sawstates moving from just having
pilot projects to scaling it inreal ways, and it's just
(01:45):
becoming a regular part of thestate technology toolbox.
So um I think it's just sort ofbecoming more fundamental to how
states are working.
States are embracing it, butlike at the same time, still
dealing with constraints likelimited budgets, expectations of
citizens, and their hesitationsas well.
And then just, you know, on sortof on another topic of how we're
(02:07):
seeing this issue evolve, um,what we saw this year is uh
we're not just talking aboutgenerative AI anymore.
We're starting to talk aboutagentic AI, regular AI, pre-gen
AI is still a thing.
And so we actually changed thename of our generative AI
working group to the emerging AIworking group to reflect kind of
the forward-looking nature of AIcapabilities.
SPEAKER_01 (02:28):
Yeah.
So, Amy, what I heard there isthat you and NASIO did such a
good job in 2024 explaining tostates what's going on with AI,
you just didn't have to do asmuch in 2024.
Amy Glasscock (02:37):
Or maybe Doug was just the one out there talking
about AI and nobody invited me.
I don't know.
SPEAKER_01 (02:42):
Yeah, well, in a minute we'll talk about sort of
federal affairs, and I I havesome some similar thoughts on um
it is interesting how it'schanged one year from the other
um when it comes to AI becauseit moves so quickly.
So um awesome.
All right.
Well, we also had a hugeprocurement thing.
Uh we had our first publication,which was improving RFPs with
user research, how summarysheets can improve solicitations
(03:04):
with USDR.
Um, and if you're thinkingthat's a boring topic, you need
to read it because it is awfullyexciting for at least a niche
audience.
So great, great, um, greatpublication there.
Um, but also our 2025 presenceinitiative was demystifying
state technology procurement,um, which I know is really an
interesting read.
I have checked it out.
And as our our own Meredith Wardsays, procurement ruins lives.
(03:27):
Uh, but we are trying to addressthat with these documents, and I
think you'll find that it nolonger ruins lives.
Doesn't need to.
Yeah, doesn't need to.
Um, and there was also a greatone pager that's accessibility
and procurement, which you canfind on our website.
And for myself and doing afederal relations procurement is
something that I not I don'tusually get involved in.
So I think for me, just readingthose documents was really
(03:48):
helpful to get a good handle onkind of what goes into it and
and why it's so important.
So, and you know, procurementreally the the theme reflects
the times that we're in and anda greater awareness of needing
to address things like AI andcybersecurity and privacy and
accessibility in the procurementprocess from the get-go.
I mean, it's not things you cankind of like fix later on, it's
something you really need tokind of have a handle on from
(04:08):
the beginning.
So, highly, highly recommendthat uh folks check out those uh
those publications.
Amy Glasscock (04:13):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (04:13):
But of course, we also have done some great work
and seen some really interestingthings when it comes to
accessibility, a lot of which isled by Kalia, who has done just
great work.
There is again a one-pager.
I I mentioned the accessibilityprocurement also has
accessibility themes.
Highly recommend checking thatout, as well as a really great
study that we did or report, Iguess is the better word, on the
(04:36):
economic case for digitalaccessibility and why, you know,
you sure you you have to do itsometimes, but there's also a
reason why.
And and I think that um you canreally see a lot of benefits to
it.
But then I'm really excited.
Um, I know Kalia is um leadingthe first ever State IT
Accessibility CoordinatorsLeadership Summit.
What, just next week inLexington?
(04:57):
Yeah.
So um I know that's gonna be areally interesting gathering.
So good luck to Kalia andeverybody who's joining.
I know it's gonna be great.
Amy Glasscock (05:04):
Yeah.
I guess I should say that thatwill be going on as this podcast
is being released.
Um so we're recording this theweek before.
But yeah, so you know, and justthis is not like the first time
that we've ever talked aboutaccessibility.
We've been writing about it atleast since 2015 um by my
research.
But, you know, the the DOJ finalrule on accessibility has really
spurred this to the top of thepriority list for states, and it
(05:26):
made it onto the top 10 list forthe first time last year.
And so um, you know, all of thatis kind of pushing this greater
uh theme around accessibilitythat we've seen this year.
Yeah, absolutely.
And so um I also want to mentionit seems weird to say we had an
enterprise architecture themebecause we're always talking
about enterprise architecture,and it's so fundamental to the
(05:47):
work that state technologyoffices do.
But Eric Sweden did work on athree-part series this year, um,
and it included a strategicblueprint for state CIOs.
So it's that was part one.
Part two was a guide to stategovernment continual
transformation, and then partthree was a critical design
first discipline for managingcomplexity and change.
(06:07):
And so, you know, I think withso much change that we're seeing
right now, we can really see theimportance of good governance
and good enterprise architecturepractices to really help states
navigate this new era oftechnology that we're finding
ourselves in.
And Eric also worked on thefirst ever state chief data
officer survey, and you know,that's just really kind of
(06:28):
signals the growth in that rolein states and an increasing
understanding of the importanceof good data governance,
especially as we are trying touse generative AI for things.
That the data is so importantthat it that it be well governed
and clean.
SPEAKER_01 (06:43):
Yeah, absolutely, really interesting stuff.
But of course, federal affairswas also a big topic, of course,
but that's uh that's my role.
So that's what I've beenfocusing on all year.
And it has been a really busyyear for advocacy in federal
affairs.
You know, first, obviously, wehad a new administration come
in.
Yeah.
Um and I, you know, I say newadministration quotation marks,
(07:03):
obviously the second iterationof the Trump administration.
Um, but there have been a lot ofchanges and shakeups this year.
We've seen some reallysignificant cuts to federal
agencies that states rely onwhen it comes to cybersecurity
at CISA and FEMA.
We have had a lot of concernsabout funding.
You know, the Trumpadministration put out an
executive order earlier in theyear saying that it would be
shifting more responsibilitiesto states for cybersecurity.
(07:26):
And I think it's something thatNASIO understands, but we if
that's going to happen, we do uhwant to see that there is
commiserate levels of fundingand support.
So one of the ways that we'vebeen really um working on the
funding issue is, of course, bygetting the state and local
cybersecurity grant programreauthorized.
Um, we've made some really greatstrides this year.
We had um two awesome CIOs, MarkRaymond of Connecticut and Alan
(07:48):
Fuller of Utah, come up totestify before a House committee
on how important the SLCGP was.
Strongly encourage folks againcheck out our website.
Um, we've got some related linksto their testimony there talking
about how important SLCGP is.
It seems Congress is agreeingwith us on the importance of
SLCGP.
We have seen a reauthorizationbill for the Pillar Act, which
is the vehicle the House isusing to reauthorize the
(08:10):
program, pass under suspensionof the rules in the House.
Meanwhile, over in the Senate,Senators Cornyn and Hassan have
introduced a uh reauthorizationvehicle for SLCGP.
But also we saw a temporaryextension of the program along
with the temporary extension ofCISA 2015 in the government
shutdown agreement a few weeksago.
So I think we are really makinggreat strides to explain how
(08:32):
important that grant program isto states and to localities.
Um so hopefully in 2026 we'llsee an actual reauthorization of
it.
So that's a lot of what we'vebeen doing around federal
funding and the grant.
But of course, as well, youknow, as I mentioned a little
while ago, AI has really been abig focus for us at NASIO.
Mostly in fighting efforts inCongress and the administration
(08:54):
to preempt all state laws andregulations that would address
AI.
You know, I understand the needin industry for continuity, for
stability.
I get that argument, Iunderstand it, I'm sympathetic
to it.
But I don't think that thatshould come at the expense of
states' ability to take somebasic steps and precautions to
protect citizens and improvecybersecurity.
So, to that end, we have doneseveral letters and statements
(09:16):
and meetings trying to explainto our colleagues on the Hill
and in the administration why amoratorium is just not a good
idea.
Congress has agreed twice so farthis year, but it looks as
though we are gonna see anexecutive order that pursues the
state moratorium.
So kind of unclear exactly whatthat's gonna mean.
I think there will be a lot oflegal challenges to it.
But again, it is something thatNASIO continues to argue
(09:39):
against.
And again, I just just toclarify for the record, we want
to be partners with industry onthis, but we want to find a
collaborative solution, um, notjust kind of a blanket
moratorium.
So that's the big stuff withfederal affairs.
There's always other thingsgoing on, but those are the
things that have kind of reallybeen taking up a lot of my time,
especially over the last fewmonths.
Amy Glasscock (09:57):
Yeah, and I will say uh Alex was working well
into Thanksgiving week, right upto Target Day itself.
And so hopefully your winterbreak is a little more quiet.
SPEAKER_01 (10:06):
I'm hoping, but we'll see.
So yeah, that's a lot of what'sgoing on with Federal Affairs.
Again, though, as I've said afew times, check out our
website.
We've got links to all theletters and statements that are
up there.
But I think uh Amy, if it makessense, we can go give a few uh
just other kind of by thenumbers uh stats for our
listeners.
Amy Glasscock (10:22):
And I know I said we wouldn't do a by the numbers,
but we do have a few by thenumbers just to kind of wrap
this up nicely.
SPEAKER_01 (10:28):
All right, so by the numbers, we had 12 major
publications, 35 plus speakingengagements with strategic
partners and others, five statetestimonies, and um over 12
letters or statements on federalissues.
Um I will say we also I justwant to point out we did testify
before Congress as well.
So very busy when it comes tothose publications.
Amy Glasscock (10:49):
Amazing.
We had 30 plus virtual eventsslash webinars on topics like
cybersecurity, enterprisearchitecture, accessibility and
procurement, many of our themesthis year.
Three working groups, includingour accessibility working group,
probably should have includedthat when we were talking about
accessibility, enterprisearchitecture and generative AI
slash now called emerging AI.
(11:09):
And then uh by the end of theyear, we will have 21 podcast
episodes, and we did celebrateour 150th episode this year.
SPEAKER_01 (11:16):
Nice.
Busy year.
Amy Glasscock (11:18):
Absolutely.
And so, as we did last year, Ithink it's very important.
Um, our listeners want to knowwhat was on our Spotify rap this
year.
So, Alex, what would you like toshare with us?
SPEAKER_01 (11:29):
Sure.
Yeah, well, first I will saythat like you, Amy, and like
many who listen, I'm a parent.
So my Spotify rap was largelydominated by my children.
But I will say, uh my top artistwas Zach Bryan.
Um my top song was Open the Gateby Zach Bryan, which my wife is
literally so tired of hearingthat song We Drive Somewhere, I
think it's been banned.
Um, but that was followed upclosely by K-pop Demon Hunters.
(11:52):
Oh, yeah.
Uh, and I think Golden was thenumber one song.
And I I can't blame my children.
When when they leave, I'm stilllistening to it.
So, you know, it's a good, it'sa good combination.
But K-pop and uh Zach Bryan aremy my top two.
How about you, Amy?
Amy Glasscock (12:06):
All right, well, mine is the one that's like on
our smart speakers, so it's kindof a reflection of what's
happening in our house, not justme, but um top artist Taylor
Swift.
Can't blame anyone else reallybut myself for that one.
Number two, Steven Schwartz, whois the composer of the Wicked
soundtrack.
Okay, a lot of Wicked playing.
Um, my daughter is a huge Wickedfan, and the songs are really
(12:27):
good.
Number three, Fish.
Um been heavily influenced by myhusband.
Um Sabrina Carpenter, which Iwas surprised.
Um, I do like her.
And then um Hunter X, K-popDemon Hunter's girl group.
SPEAKER_01 (12:40):
Of course.
It's just gotta be on there.
Amy Glasscock (12:42):
Yes.
Our top song was Tweezer, whichis by Fish.
Um, because my husband has itprogrammed to play at 5 p.m.
every Friday, so it's played atleast like 52 times or whatever.
It's so funny.
He won't be home, and then allof a sudden he'll just come on,
or I'll be listening tosomething and it will change
over.
Um Cruel Summer, August,Fortnite, all uh Taylor Swift
and number five golden, likeyours.
(13:04):
So uh nice.
I also noticed that it this yeartold you your musical age.
And so proud to say I'm 32 yearsold.
I've always said I you know, Istruggle.
Am I am I Gen X?
Am I a millennial?
I'm solid millennial when itcomes to music at least.
SPEAKER_01 (13:18):
Yeah, my age was 22.
Whoa.
Which uh and I and I so therewas one artist I didn't mention.
Um there's a rapper named Big Xthe Plug.
Okay.
Um and now I am not necessarilya fan, but my kids are obsessed
with a song that he sings calledTexas, which is not appropriate
for them, but they've decidedthey love it.
And I think that between him andK-pop demon hunters, that would,
(13:38):
that's what really lowered myage.
Amy Glasscock (13:40):
That's that's true.
That probably uh reflected mineas well.
Um I I do have a friend who's acouple years younger than me,
and his age was like 61.
That's really funny.
SPEAKER_01 (13:49):
I j I joke with some friends that I'm gonna listen to
only Mozart next year, so my agewill be like 400.
Amy Glasscock (13:55):
400.
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (13:56):
All right, but since Spotify forgot to ask us to send
a video to our top fans, we arerecording a message for you
here.
Amy Glasscock (14:03):
Hey Nassio Voices fans, it's your favorite podcast
host coming to you rap style tosay, wow, you really listen this
year.
SPEAKER_01 (14:10):
Like a lot.
Are you okay?
Should we check on you?
Amy Glasscock (14:12):
You spent more time with us than your
procurement office spentreviewing an RFP.
SPEAKER_01 (14:16):
You heard us talk about modernization, workforce,
mainframes, and of course, AI.
Amy Glasscock (14:20):
And yet, you came back every single episode.
SPEAKER_01 (14:23):
So from the bottom of our government tech policy
loving hearts, thank you.
Amy Glasscock (14:27):
Here's to another year of big ideas, big acronyms,
and even bigger downloadnumbers.
Happy NASIO Voices wrap.
Thanks again for listening toNASIO Voices.
NASIO Voices is a production ofthe National Association of
State Chief InformationOfficers, or NASIO.
Learn more at NASIO.org.
SPEAKER_01 (14:45):
And we'll be back next time with Eric Sweet to
hear all about state CIO'spriorities for 2026 and what's
on the top 10 list for nextyear.
Amy Glasscock (14:53):
Can't wait.
Talk with you then.
SPEAKER_01 (14:54):
See ya.
Amy Glasscock (14:59):
Happy NASIO voice.
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (15:03):
One, two, three.
Happy NASIO voice voiceswrapped.
I don't know what's wrong withme.
I can't say it.
Amy Glasscock (15:09):
We're not used to talking at the same time.
SPEAKER_01 (15:11):
I don't know.
Hi and welcome to NASIO Voices, where we talk all
things state IT.
I'm Amy Glasscock in Lexington,Kentucky.
SPEAKER_01 (00:11):
And I'm Alex Whitaker in Washington, D.C.
Today we're taking a look backat the policy themes that define
NASIO in 2025.
Amy Glasscock (00:18):
Much like we did last year and much inspired by
our music streaming app'syear-end review, it's NASIO
Rouch for 2025.
Instead of a by the numbersoverview, we want to talk in
broader themes.
So let's get into it.
All right.
Yeah.
So uh I of course we have tostart with AI.
It's still very much top ofmind.
Um, sort of looking back thoughat what NASIO did around AI this
(00:41):
year compared to last year.
In our episode where we kind ofwrapped up the year last year,
we had written five AI-relatedpublications in 2024.
This year we did one, and thatwas um harnessing Gen AI to
elevate the citizen experiencewith Accenture.
So I thought that wasinteresting because AI is still
very important, obviously.
(01:02):
I also spent less time going toum strategic partner conferences
and talking about AI this fallthan I did last fall.
Last fall I was gone like everyweek in October, it seemed like
um so I'm not really sure whatthat means, but what I think it
means a little bit is that AIhas just been a bit demystified.
I think last year uh states andyou know organizations were kind
(01:24):
of like, what is this?
How are we gonna use it?
You know, what's this all about?
And you know, it's still a hugepriority for states, but and you
know, it was number two on thetop 10 list for 2025 versus
three the year before versus noton the list at all the year
before that.
But you know, this year we sawstates moving from just having
pilot projects to scaling it inreal ways, and it's just
(01:45):
becoming a regular part of thestate technology toolbox.
So um I think it's just sort ofbecoming more fundamental to how
states are working.
States are embracing it, butlike at the same time, still
dealing with constraints likelimited budgets, expectations of
citizens, and their hesitationsas well.
And then just, you know, on sortof on another topic of how we're
(02:07):
seeing this issue evolve, um,what we saw this year is uh
we're not just talking aboutgenerative AI anymore.
We're starting to talk aboutagentic AI, regular AI, pre-gen
AI is still a thing.
And so we actually changed thename of our generative AI
working group to the emerging AIworking group to reflect kind of
the forward-looking nature of AIcapabilities.
SPEAKER_01 (02:28):
Yeah.
So, Amy, what I heard there isthat you and NASIO did such a
good job in 2024 explaining tostates what's going on with AI,
you just didn't have to do asmuch in 2024.
Amy Glasscock (02:37):
Or maybe Doug was just the one out there talking
about AI and nobody invited me.
I don't know.
SPEAKER_01 (02:42):
Yeah, well, in a minute we'll talk about sort of
federal affairs, and I I havesome some similar thoughts on um
it is interesting how it'schanged one year from the other
um when it comes to AI becauseit moves so quickly.
So um awesome.
All right.
Well, we also had a hugeprocurement thing.
Uh we had our first publication,which was improving RFPs with
user research, how summarysheets can improve solicitations
(03:04):
with USDR.
Um, and if you're thinkingthat's a boring topic, you need
to read it because it is awfullyexciting for at least a niche
audience.
So great, great, um, greatpublication there.
Um, but also our 2025 presenceinitiative was demystifying
state technology procurement,um, which I know is really an
interesting read.
I have checked it out.
And as our our own Meredith Wardsays, procurement ruins lives.
(03:27):
Uh, but we are trying to addressthat with these documents, and I
think you'll find that it nolonger ruins lives.
Doesn't need to.
Yeah, doesn't need to.
Um, and there was also a greatone pager that's accessibility
and procurement, which you canfind on our website.
And for myself and doing afederal relations procurement is
something that I not I don'tusually get involved in.
So I think for me, just readingthose documents was really
(03:48):
helpful to get a good handle onkind of what goes into it and
and why it's so important.
So, and you know, procurementreally the the theme reflects
the times that we're in and anda greater awareness of needing
to address things like AI andcybersecurity and privacy and
accessibility in the procurementprocess from the get-go.
I mean, it's not things you cankind of like fix later on, it's
something you really need tokind of have a handle on from
(04:08):
the beginning.
So, highly, highly recommendthat uh folks check out those uh
those publications.
Amy Glasscock (04:13):
Yeah.
SPEAKER_01 (04:13):
But of course, we also have done some great work
and seen some really interestingthings when it comes to
accessibility, a lot of which isled by Kalia, who has done just
great work.
There is again a one-pager.
I I mentioned the accessibilityprocurement also has
accessibility themes.
Highly recommend checking thatout, as well as a really great
study that we did or report, Iguess is the better word, on the
(04:36):
economic case for digitalaccessibility and why, you know,
you sure you you have to do itsometimes, but there's also a
reason why.
And and I think that um you canreally see a lot of benefits to
it.
But then I'm really excited.
Um, I know Kalia is um leadingthe first ever State IT
Accessibility CoordinatorsLeadership Summit.
What, just next week inLexington?
(04:57):
Yeah.
So um I know that's gonna be areally interesting gathering.
So good luck to Kalia andeverybody who's joining.
I know it's gonna be great.
Amy Glasscock (05:04):
Yeah.
I guess I should say that thatwill be going on as this podcast
is being released.
Um so we're recording this theweek before.
But yeah, so you know, and justthis is not like the first time
that we've ever talked aboutaccessibility.
We've been writing about it atleast since 2015 um by my
research.
But, you know, the the DOJ finalrule on accessibility has really
spurred this to the top of thepriority list for states, and it
(05:26):
made it onto the top 10 list forthe first time last year.
And so um, you know, all of thatis kind of pushing this greater
uh theme around accessibilitythat we've seen this year.
Yeah, absolutely.
And so um I also want to mentionit seems weird to say we had an
enterprise architecture themebecause we're always talking
about enterprise architecture,and it's so fundamental to the
(05:47):
work that state technologyoffices do.
But Eric Sweden did work on athree-part series this year, um,
and it included a strategicblueprint for state CIOs.
So it's that was part one.
Part two was a guide to stategovernment continual
transformation, and then partthree was a critical design
first discipline for managingcomplexity and change.
(06:07):
And so, you know, I think withso much change that we're seeing
right now, we can really see theimportance of good governance
and good enterprise architecturepractices to really help states
navigate this new era oftechnology that we're finding
ourselves in.
And Eric also worked on thefirst ever state chief data
officer survey, and you know,that's just really kind of
(06:28):
signals the growth in that rolein states and an increasing
understanding of the importanceof good data governance,
especially as we are trying touse generative AI for things.
That the data is so importantthat it that it be well governed
and clean.
SPEAKER_01 (06:43):
Yeah, absolutely, really interesting stuff.
But of course, federal affairswas also a big topic, of course,
but that's uh that's my role.
So that's what I've beenfocusing on all year.
And it has been a really busyyear for advocacy in federal
affairs.
You know, first, obviously, wehad a new administration come
in.
Yeah.
Um and I, you know, I say newadministration quotation marks,
(07:03):
obviously the second iterationof the Trump administration.
Um, but there have been a lot ofchanges and shakeups this year.
We've seen some reallysignificant cuts to federal
agencies that states rely onwhen it comes to cybersecurity
at CISA and FEMA.
We have had a lot of concernsabout funding.
You know, the Trumpadministration put out an
executive order earlier in theyear saying that it would be
shifting more responsibilitiesto states for cybersecurity.
(07:26):
And I think it's something thatNASIO understands, but we if
that's going to happen, we do uhwant to see that there is
commiserate levels of fundingand support.
So one of the ways that we'vebeen really um working on the
funding issue is, of course, bygetting the state and local
cybersecurity grant programreauthorized.
Um, we've made some really greatstrides this year.
We had um two awesome CIOs, MarkRaymond of Connecticut and Alan
(07:48):
Fuller of Utah, come up totestify before a House committee
on how important the SLCGP was.
Strongly encourage folks againcheck out our website.
Um, we've got some related linksto their testimony there talking
about how important SLCGP is.
It seems Congress is agreeingwith us on the importance of
SLCGP.
We have seen a reauthorizationbill for the Pillar Act, which
is the vehicle the House isusing to reauthorize the
(08:10):
program, pass under suspensionof the rules in the House.
Meanwhile, over in the Senate,Senators Cornyn and Hassan have
introduced a uh reauthorizationvehicle for SLCGP.
But also we saw a temporaryextension of the program along
with the temporary extension ofCISA 2015 in the government
shutdown agreement a few weeksago.
So I think we are really makinggreat strides to explain how
(08:32):
important that grant program isto states and to localities.
Um so hopefully in 2026 we'llsee an actual reauthorization of
it.
So that's a lot of what we'vebeen doing around federal
funding and the grant.
But of course, as well, youknow, as I mentioned a little
while ago, AI has really been abig focus for us at NASIO.
Mostly in fighting efforts inCongress and the administration
(08:54):
to preempt all state laws andregulations that would address
AI.
You know, I understand the needin industry for continuity, for
stability.
I get that argument, Iunderstand it, I'm sympathetic
to it.
But I don't think that thatshould come at the expense of
states' ability to take somebasic steps and precautions to
protect citizens and improvecybersecurity.
So, to that end, we have doneseveral letters and statements
(09:16):
and meetings trying to explainto our colleagues on the Hill
and in the administration why amoratorium is just not a good
idea.
Congress has agreed twice so farthis year, but it looks as
though we are gonna see anexecutive order that pursues the
state moratorium.
So kind of unclear exactly whatthat's gonna mean.
I think there will be a lot oflegal challenges to it.
But again, it is something thatNASIO continues to argue
(09:39):
against.
And again, I just just toclarify for the record, we want
to be partners with industry onthis, but we want to find a
collaborative solution, um, notjust kind of a blanket
moratorium.
So that's the big stuff withfederal affairs.
There's always other thingsgoing on, but those are the
things that have kind of reallybeen taking up a lot of my time,
especially over the last fewmonths.
Amy Glasscock (09:57):
Yeah, and I will say uh Alex was working well
into Thanksgiving week, right upto Target Day itself.
And so hopefully your winterbreak is a little more quiet.
SPEAKER_01 (10:06):
I'm hoping, but we'll see.
So yeah, that's a lot of what'sgoing on with Federal Affairs.
Again, though, as I've said afew times, check out our
website.
We've got links to all theletters and statements that are
up there.
But I think uh Amy, if it makessense, we can go give a few uh
just other kind of by thenumbers uh stats for our
listeners.
Amy Glasscock (10:22):
And I know I said we wouldn't do a by the numbers,
but we do have a few by thenumbers just to kind of wrap
this up nicely.
SPEAKER_01 (10:28):
All right, so by the numbers, we had 12 major
publications, 35 plus speakingengagements with strategic
partners and others, five statetestimonies, and um over 12
letters or statements on federalissues.
Um I will say we also I justwant to point out we did testify
before Congress as well.
So very busy when it comes tothose publications.
Amy Glasscock (10:49):
Amazing.
We had 30 plus virtual eventsslash webinars on topics like
cybersecurity, enterprisearchitecture, accessibility and
procurement, many of our themesthis year.
Three working groups, includingour accessibility working group,
probably should have includedthat when we were talking about
accessibility, enterprisearchitecture and generative AI
slash now called emerging AI.
(11:09):
And then uh by the end of theyear, we will have 21 podcast
episodes, and we did celebrateour 150th episode this year.
SPEAKER_01 (11:16):
Nice.
Busy year.
Amy Glasscock (11:18):
Absolutely.
And so, as we did last year, Ithink it's very important.
Um, our listeners want to knowwhat was on our Spotify rap this
year.
So, Alex, what would you like toshare with us?
SPEAKER_01 (11:29):
Sure.
Yeah, well, first I will saythat like you, Amy, and like
many who listen, I'm a parent.
So my Spotify rap was largelydominated by my children.
But I will say, uh my top artistwas Zach Bryan.
Um my top song was Open the Gateby Zach Bryan, which my wife is
literally so tired of hearingthat song We Drive Somewhere, I
think it's been banned.
Um, but that was followed upclosely by K-pop Demon Hunters.
(11:52):
Oh, yeah.
Uh, and I think Golden was thenumber one song.
And I I can't blame my children.
When when they leave, I'm stilllistening to it.
So, you know, it's a good, it'sa good combination.
But K-pop and uh Zach Bryan aremy my top two.
How about you, Amy?
Amy Glasscock (12:06):
All right, well, mine is the one that's like on
our smart speakers, so it's kindof a reflection of what's
happening in our house, not justme, but um top artist Taylor
Swift.
Can't blame anyone else reallybut myself for that one.
Number two, Steven Schwartz, whois the composer of the Wicked
soundtrack.
Okay, a lot of Wicked playing.
Um, my daughter is a huge Wickedfan, and the songs are really
(12:27):
good.
Number three, Fish.
Um been heavily influenced by myhusband.
Um Sabrina Carpenter, which Iwas surprised.
Um, I do like her.
And then um Hunter X, K-popDemon Hunter's girl group.
SPEAKER_01 (12:40):
Of course.
It's just gotta be on there.
Amy Glasscock (12:42):
Yes.
Our top song was Tweezer, whichis by Fish.
Um, because my husband has itprogrammed to play at 5 p.m.
every Friday, so it's played atleast like 52 times or whatever.
It's so funny.
He won't be home, and then allof a sudden he'll just come on,
or I'll be listening tosomething and it will change
over.
Um Cruel Summer, August,Fortnite, all uh Taylor Swift
and number five golden, likeyours.
(13:04):
So uh nice.
I also noticed that it this yeartold you your musical age.
And so proud to say I'm 32 yearsold.
I've always said I you know, Istruggle.
Am I am I Gen X?
Am I a millennial?
I'm solid millennial when itcomes to music at least.
SPEAKER_01 (13:18):
Yeah, my age was 22.
Whoa.
Which uh and I and I so therewas one artist I didn't mention.
Um there's a rapper named Big Xthe Plug.
Okay.
Um and now I am not necessarilya fan, but my kids are obsessed
with a song that he sings calledTexas, which is not appropriate
for them, but they've decidedthey love it.
And I think that between him andK-pop demon hunters, that would,
(13:38):
that's what really lowered myage.
Amy Glasscock (13:40):
That's that's true.
That probably uh reflected mineas well.
Um I I do have a friend who's acouple years younger than me,
and his age was like 61.
That's really funny.
SPEAKER_01 (13:49):
I j I joke with some friends that I'm gonna listen to
only Mozart next year, so my agewill be like 400.
Amy Glasscock (13:55):
400.
That's awesome.
SPEAKER_01 (13:56):
All right, but since Spotify forgot to ask us to send
a video to our top fans, we arerecording a message for you
here.
Amy Glasscock (14:03):
Hey Nassio Voices fans, it's your favorite podcast
host coming to you rap style tosay, wow, you really listen this
year.
SPEAKER_01 (14:10):
Like a lot.
Are you okay?
Should we check on you?
Amy Glasscock (14:12):
You spent more time with us than your
procurement office spentreviewing an RFP.
SPEAKER_01 (14:16):
You heard us talk about modernization, workforce,
mainframes, and of course, AI.
Amy Glasscock (14:20):
And yet, you came back every single episode.
SPEAKER_01 (14:23):
So from the bottom of our government tech policy
loving hearts, thank you.
Amy Glasscock (14:27):
Here's to another year of big ideas, big acronyms,
and even bigger downloadnumbers.
Happy NASIO Voices wrap.
Thanks again for listening toNASIO Voices.
NASIO Voices is a production ofthe National Association of
State Chief InformationOfficers, or NASIO.
Learn more at NASIO.org.
SPEAKER_01 (14:45):
And we'll be back next time with Eric Sweet to
hear all about state CIO'spriorities for 2026 and what's
on the top 10 list for nextyear.
Amy Glasscock (14:53):
Can't wait.
Talk with you then.
SPEAKER_01 (14:54):
See ya.
Amy Glasscock (14:59):
Happy NASIO voice.
Wow.
SPEAKER_01 (15:03):
One, two, three.
Happy NASIO voice voiceswrapped.
I don't know what's wrong withme.
I can't say it.
Amy Glasscock (15:09):
We're not used to talking at the same time.
SPEAKER_01 (15:11):
I don't know.
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