Minnesota Recognized as National Leader for Using Data to Improve our State

Statement

Today, Minnesota was recognized as one of five leading states in the use of data to improve results for their residents. The announcement was made during an event hosted by the National Governors Association and Results for America, during which they released the 2 019 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence report .

"We are committed to being good stewards of taxpayer money by following the data and investing in what works," said Governor Walz. " We use this data in concert with the input we receive from communities across the state."

In preparation for Governor Walz's first budget, state agencies identified programs with particularly strong evidence of effectiveness. Governor Walz then worked with legislative leaders to invest $87 million in 11 new or expanded services that are scientifically proven to be effective at reducing criminal behavior, improving academic achievement, increasing housing stability, and preventing substance abuse and premature death.

"The State of Minnesota is making dramatic strides in its use of evidence to inform which programs we fund and how we implement those programs," said Myron Frans, commissioner of Minnesota Management and Budget. "We do this because it produces better outcomes for Minnesotans."

Minnesota Management and Budget publishes information on program effectiveness that is used by state agencies, members of the legislature and their staff, local government officials, and service providers. Eighty-nine percent of state and local policymakers that responded to a survey this summer indicated it is very important to have information about program effectiveness when they are contributing to budget and policy decisions.

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