The Results First initiative works with states to implement an innovative evidence-based policymaking approach that helps them invest in policies and programs that are proved to work.
Over the past decade, The Pew Results First initiative has worked with 27 states to implement an innovative evidence-based policymaking approach that helps them to invest in policies and programs that are proved to work—ensuring that states moved over $1.1 billion toward more effective services.
Children in New Mexico have long underperformed compared to many other states. To improve outcomes, The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Results First initiative worked with New Mexico’s Legislative Finance Committee, the state turned to leverage evidence-based policymaking, which can help ensure taxpayer dollars go to programs shown to work.
Colorado is a leader among states using data and research to strengthen their budget investment choices. Since 2014, The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Results First initiative has partnered with Colorado to help the state apply research evidence to fund programs that work. To be sure that the state invests taxpayer funds in projects that are effective, the governor’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) requires evidence in an agency’s budget requests for changes to program funds, including expansions, reductions, and new projects.
Last summer, the New Mexico Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) launched LegisStat, a first-of-its-kind legislatively driven adaptation of the PerformanceStat approach, to help lawmakers improve the performance of state programs and hold agencies accountable.
For the past decade, The Pew Charitable Trusts’ Results First initiative has helped state and local leaders throughout the country better understand and use evidence to inform their budgeting and policymaking processes. Results First has developed innovative tools and resources that have assisted these stakeholders when incorporating research and evidence into their decision-making.
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Sara Dube
Director
Results First & Behavioral Health
Evidence-Based Policymaking Made Easy by 'Results First' Tool
In 2014, the Pew-MacArthur Results First Initiative developed a framework for state and county leaders interested in evidence-based policymaking. This framework consists of five key components to help governments use rigorous evidence and data to guide policy and funding decisions.
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