Test of Y2K Readiness A Success:
The 9/9/99 Computer Bug Had No Effect on State Governments

Washington, DC – September 10, 1999: Now that September 9, 1999 (9/9/99) has come and gone, States are reporting no problems associated with the potential computer glitch that some anticipated because of the four successive 9s in the September 9th date. In the early days of programming 9999 was used as a shut down command to cancel programs on computer systems. Fortunately many states included the 9/9/99 computer bug in their strategic plan for Y2K readiness.

On the afternoon of September 9, 1999 the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers, and Treasurers conducted a survey of their membership to determine if any problems were experienced. The 37 states that responded reported that no problems occurred.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, State Comptroller Martin J. Benison reported their state’s confidence in their preparation for Y2K. Benison said, "The Commonwealth of Massachusetts had high confidence that we were prepared for the 9/9/99 computer problem and we continue to have high confidence we will pass the January 1, 2000 date line without problems."

Some states were working on the 9/9/99-computer problem right up to the deadline. In California, a problem was detected in the State lottery one month from the 9/9/99 date. It was corrected and no problems were detected. The California State Auditor Kurt Sjoberg reported a clean bill of health on the state computer system. Sjoberg said, "I am happy to report California experienced no problems with September 9, 1999. We have turned our attention back to the Y2K problem. With our remediation and contingency plans we are optimistic there will be no major difficulties on January 1, 2000."

Now that the states passed this test of their Y2K readiness many experts caution that the true test is coming on January 1, 2000. Richard D. Johnson, NASACT President and Iowa State Auditor, agrees. Johnson said, "We have passed this test. We now need to continue working toward preparing for the year 2000."

Contact:
Cornelia Schneider or
Brandon W. Lenoir
(202)624-5451

More Contacts:
Richard D. Johnson
President NASACT
Iowa State Auditor
515/281-5835

John J. Radford
President NASC
Oregon State Controller
503/378-3156

Martin J. Benison
Massachusetts Comptroller
617/973-2315

Kurt Sjoberg
California State Auditor
916/323-0913