Last week, the Florida Policy Project (FPP) announced the publication of three reports that address the issue of better government.

“Florida’s policymakers, including Governor DeSantis and the 160 members of the Florida Legislature, face tough choices each year. State leaders must find effective solutions to critical challenges such as the need to reduce crime, improve school performance, promote affordable housing, and enhance water quality,” the FPP announced.

The Florida Policy Project in partnership with Gary VanLandingham, Ph.D., Director, FSU, Askew School of Public Administration and Policy and previous director of Florida’s Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA), present three research reports that provide recommendations for using the state’s resources for better outcomes. The research also highlights best practices from successful initiatives implemented across the U.S. that can be tailored specifically to help Florida legislators make more informed decisions.

“Today, I’m honored to announce that Florida Policy Project has released three special reports aimed at achieving better outcomes and enhancing government accountability in Florida. These reports provide strategic recommendations that prioritize the state’s resources towards researching public policy and strengthening accountability in funding projects. The Florida Policy Project remains committed to conducting best practice research that focuses on improving outcomes,” said former state Sen. Jeff Brandes, the president of the Florida Policy Project.

The policy recommendations included in the better government research reports encompass a range of strategies, and actionable insights for policymakers including the following:

Better Government: Establish Florida University Research Partnerships

– Recommends how the legislature can facilitate knowledge exchange between Florida’s six research universities and policymakers by creating and funding the Office of Strategic Research Partnerships within the Governor’s Office and establishing the Florida Policy Lab.

– The report cites several states where these mechanisms have been created and are proven effective in providing timely, reliable, and high-quality evidence to policymakers on issues of critical legislative concern.

Better Government: Measure the Impact of State Funded Programs

– Recommendations include establishing a policy framework and creating a

mechanism requiring agencies to report comprehensive inventories of their current programs to measure projects’ effectiveness.

– Proposes increasing the availability of high-quality evidence to the Legislature that will provide them with more reliable information to inform their tough choices and instill more confidence that programs in the base budget are achieving positive return on the investment of taxpayer dollars.

– The report cites examples of where states have taken the steps to put these mechanisms in place using a network of research clearinghouses that curate evidence about program effectiveness.

Better Government: Utilize The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) for its highest and best use

– Recommends expanding, funding, and using OPPAGA to provide research and measurement to the Florida Legislature.

– Proposes higher salaries for new OPPAGA staff and increasing the Office’s authorized positions to increase the number of program evaluations and policy analysis.

– Proposes that the legislature directs the Office to release all its research products to all legislators, therefore enhancing production and distribution of findings.

The Florida Policy Project encouraged all stakeholders to delve into these reports to gain a deeper understanding of better government practices and the innovative solutions that can transform Florida’s landscape. By working together, policymakers, community leaders, and concerned citizens can create a brighter future.