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The internet has opened doors to an infinite amount of information which is just a few keystrokes away. Many people have enjoyed the convenience of online services which allow them to do such things as make purchases or bank online. Any way you look at it, technology has changed the way we live our lives.
The State of Texas has realized the convenience of citizens being able to conduct business over the internet and has developed TexasOnline over the last few years. You can find TexasOnline at www.texasonline.com. The website was developed in an effort to improve public access to government information, programs and services.
TexasOnline is intended to serve as the official compilation of Texas government electronic resources, both at the state and local levels, and as an index of Texas governmental or taxing authority web sites and services. The site is organized by subject to provide a collection of links and portals designed to allow citizens, visitors, businesses, state government, and others to quickly and efficiently locate appropriate resources.
In many cases, TexasOnline serves as a one-stop shop for Texans. From the website, citizens can easily handle such issues as renewing their drivers licenses and occupational or professional licenses. In many participating counties, taxpayers are able to pay their taxes online or even renew their vehicle registration. In some cities, users are able to pay their electricity bills or pay traffic tickets. As more cities and counties offer services online, the site's usefulness to citizens will continue to grow. Businesses can also use TexasOnline for services such as filing and paying sales taxes or finding listings of state and local bid opportunities.
In addition to online services, TexasOnline serves as a clearinghouse for useful information. Children can use the site to locate educational information about our state from the "About Texas" link. People preparing to go to college can find links to colleges and universities around the state as well as information about available financial assistance. TexasOnline also offers links to information on services for the elderly and disabled.
TexasOnline is a testament to the versatility of the internet and its applicability to our everyday lives. It would be hard to imagine another website from which a person could file a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's office, check road conditions on Highway 75, find out how to obtain a marriage license, and search unclaimed property records all from one home page.
It would be impossible to list all of the information and services available at www.texasonline.com in the confines of this column. I encourage you to log on to TexasOnline and spend some time there.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions on TexasOnline. You can contact me by writing to P.O. Box 2910, Austin, TX 78768-2910 or by e-mailing me at larry.phillips@house.state.tx.us.
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