- The Florida Policy Project (FPP), led by former lawmaker Jeff Brandes, released three reports this week proposing solutions to enhance government accountability in Florida.
- The reports recommend establishing partnerships between research universities and policymakers, creating an Office of Strategic Research Partnerships, and establishing the Florida Policy Lab to prioritize researching public policy and strengthening accountability in funding projects.
- FPP also proposes implementing a policy framework that requires agencies to report comprehensive inventories of their programs to assess their effectiveness and expand funding to the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to provide research and measurement services to the Florida Legislature.
The Florida Policy Project (FPP), led by former state Senator Jeff Brandes, has released three reports that propose solutions to enhance government accountability in the state of Florida.
Per the organization, the reports were composed to assist in addressing challenges faced by policymakers in Florida, such as the need to reduce crime, improve school performance, promote affordable housing, and enhance water quality. A primary recommendation is the establishment of partnerships between research universities and policymakers. FPP suggests floats an idea pertaining to the creation of an Office of Strategic Research Partnerships within the Governor’s Office, as well as establishing the Florida Policy Lab.
“These reports provide strategic recommendations that prioritize the state’s resources towards researching public policy and strengthening accountability in funding projects,” said Brandes.
Another emphasized proposal is a quantitative measurement of the impact of state-funded programs. FPP recommends implementing a policy framework that requires agencies to report comprehensive inventories of their current programs, allowing for a systematic assessment of their effectiveness.
The report further suggests expanding and funding the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) to provide research and measurement services to the Florida Legislature. Itemized proposals include higher salaries for new staff members and increasing the number of authorized positions to conduct program evaluations and policy analysis.
“OPPAGA’s staffing has been cut by over 40% since 2010,” reads the report. “Prior to 2010, OPPAGA conducted over 60 studies a year. It has released an average of 23 studies a year over the past decade. While the Office does excellent work, it does not have the capacity to research all areas of critical legislative interest.”