Thoughtful Spending—A Novel Idea

Evidence-based policymaking sounds like a non-negotiable, but is championed as a new approach to the legislative process.

Minnesota and New Mexico are trailblazing a path to better government spending through a partnership with Results First, an initiative that helps state and local policymakers use taxpayer dollars in a way that produces the best results at the lowest cost.

Business owners know this is the best way to operate in order to achieve success, and some legislators are finally catching up.

Through Results First, policymakers look at the effectiveness and return on investment of programs to determine where to allocate taxpayers dollars. In Minnesota, agencies were asked to provide evidence of desired outcomes along with their budget request for each program.

Imagine if Delaware took these steps.

Instead of above average spending for education and below average performance, our children could receive the education that taxpayers are actually paying for.

Instead of our per capita healthcare spending among the top in the nation, and being ranked 31st in health, Delawareans could receive better care and be a healthier state.

While we continue to watch our spending habits personally, maybe it is time for our legislators to do the same with our money.