State of Missouri Featured in New National Report on Data and Evidence in Policymaking

AUGUST 12, 2020

Jefferson City — At a virtual event co-hosted by the National Governors Association today, Results for America highlighted Missouri’s exemplary use of evidence and data to improve results for its citizens.

Results for America, a national nonprofit focused on helping government leaders improve results by investing in what works, recently released the 2020 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence showcasing 169 examples of data-driven and evidence-based practices, policies, programs, and systems in 35 states across the country. Missouri was recognized in several categories, including performance management/continuous improvement, use of outcome data, and innovation.

“As public servants, we are committed to delivering the best value and results for the people of our state,” Governor Mike Parson said. “We are proud to be recognized nationally for how we are using data-driven decisions to improve state government, especially throughout the challenges of COVID-19.”

“The COVID-19 crisis underscores the critical importance of using evidence and data to drive decision-making at every level of government,” said Michele Jolin, CEO and Co-Founder of Results for America. “The 2020 State Standard of Excellence illustrates how many governors and state agency leaders around the country and across the political spectrum are rising to the occasion and investing in what works to meet the urgent needs of their residents.”

The 2020 State Standard of Excellence highlights how state government can respond more effectively to crises when they incorporate evidence into their decision-making. In recent months, all 50 states have demonstrated the importance of data in response to the COVID-19 pandemic by creating dashboards to track key health and economic indicators. Citizens can view Missouri’s COVID-19 public health dashboard here and its economic recovery dashboard here.

The 2020 State Standard of Excellence also features a growing number of states that have invested in evidence-based budgeting, a key lever for funding what works in the face of a recession. The report highlights Missouri’s Budget Explorer for making critical budget information and performance measures readily available to the public.

“America’s governors are committed to making a measurable, positive difference in the states and territories they serve,” said Timothy Blute, Director of the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. “They are using data to inform their responses to COVID-19 to promote the physical and economic health of their residents, and the 2020 State Standard of Excellence recognizes the critical role of data and evidence in state policymaking in this most challenging time.”

“We are honored that Results for America has again identified Missouri’s management reforms as best practices for others to follow,” Missouri Chief Operating Officer Drew Erdmann said. “Thousands of committed public servants work hard every day for Missourians. They are using good business practices to improve how they serve others, and they have earned this national recognition.”

For more information on how states are building data and evidence capacity, state leaders can refer to Results for America’s Blueprint for Delivering Results in State Government, which serves as an implementation guide for the State Standard of Excellence.