When Idaho implemented the Luma financial and administrative system in July 2023, it marked the largest and most significant technology upgrade in state government history. For decades, Idaho relied on aging, disconnected programs that no longer kept pace with the needs of a modern, fast-growing society. Today, for the first time, Idaho’s payroll, budgeting, procurement, and accounting systems operate in one integrated, cloud-based platform built for clarity, security, and accountability, replacing a patchwork of 30-year-old programs that simply couldn’t support Idaho’s growth.

Idaho is the only state in the nation to successfully launch a cloud-based enterprise system of this scale. And while there have been growing pains, much like upgrading to a new phone or computer where a few settings need tweaking before everything runs smoother, the long-term benefits are significant and measurable.

A project of this magnitude can’t be flipped on overnight. National experts agree that full optimization typically requires 2-3 years, and Luma is following that same proven trajectory. What matters most is progress, and Idaho is making substantial progress every single day.

Since go-live, the State Controller’s Office and our agency partners have delivered more than 1,300 improvements to strengthen system performance. We’ve built 79 statewide reporting solutions, and agencies themselves have created more than 750 customized reports, giving leaders better tools for data-driven decision-making. More than 8,500 employees have been hired and onboarded through Luma, and 230 automated interfaces now connect Luma to other state systems operating with a 98% success rate.

Critical day-to-day operations are also performing. Luma has processed 180 statewide payroll cycles, totaling more than 730,000 payments, with 99% processed through the normal payroll pathway. Vendor payments continue without interruption: more than 700,000 payments, totaling over $13 billion, have been issued since implementation. These are not theoretical improvements. These are real successes that keep Idaho’s government running.

 Yes, there has been commentary on Luma related to early challenges with new technology.  However, everyone should consider the scale of this modernization effort, and the substantial progress made in our first two years. Independent assessments affirm that Idaho is on the right path, and other states are already watching and learning from our leadership.  Additionally, I have conducted extensive outreach with state agency leaders and fiscal officers.  Across the board, they affirm we are on the right path and we can see the benefits on this modernization effort.

This work matters because Idaho taxpayers deserve efficient, accountable systems that match the speed of modern business. Luma gives Idaho the tools to achieve exactly that: faster, more accurate data; stronger financial oversight; better budgeting decisions; and greater transparency for citizens. It lays a foundation built not just for today, but for the next generation.

Idaho is a state that values responsibility, efficiency, and doing things the right way, not the easy way. Modernizing a 30-year-old system is hard work, but it is essential. And as State Controller, I remain confident that this effort is strengthening Idaho’s financial future.

Progress is rarely simple, but it is always worth the effort. Idaho chose to lead, and because of that, we’re building a financial system that is stronger, more transparent, and ready for the decades ahead.