Reynolds announces state government information available through Amazon Echo, Google Home
DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowans can now ask Amazon "Alexa" questions about state government, Governor Kim Reynolds announced Tuesday.
Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg and Chief Information Officer Jeff Franklin announced during a news conference Tuesday that Iowa is expanding its communication channels and services to include Google Home and Amazon Echo, meaning Iowans can now ask their smartphone or Google or Amazon devices questions about state government events and services.
“We place Iowans at the center of all of our decisions and this latest improvement to increase citizen engagement is a great example of how we’re making state government adaptable to technology," said Reynolds, who added that Iowa is the first state in the Midwest to incorporate this technology into state government. Six other states are also using it, Reynolds said.
Iowans with these sorts of devices simply have to say "Ask the State of Iowa" followed by their questions.
Some of the compatible questions include:
- How can I pay my speeding ticket online?
- How do I register to vote?
- How do I get a copy of my birth certificate?
- What’s on the Governor’s schedule today?
- How do I contact the Governor’s Office?
"Our office continues to be a technology innovator, utilizing various communications tools, social media and now Google Home and Amazon Alexa to connect and engage with Iowans," said Chief Information Officer Jeff Franklin. "I look forward to incorporating this technology in more of our services in the near future."
Adding the feature to your device
To add "Ask the State of Iowa" to Alexa: Go to Amazon and change the search drop down filter from "All" to "Alexa Skills" and then search for "State of Iowa."
To add "Ask the State of Iowa" to Google Home: Go to the Google Store for the digital assistant and search for "State of Iowa."
Here is more information from the Governor's office.
