[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, at a virtual event co-hosted by the National Governors Association and Results for America, Minnesota was recognized as a national leader in using evidence and data to guide decision-making and deliver better results for Minnesotans. This is the second year in a row Minnesota has received this recognition.

“I am proud that Minnesota has once again been recognized as a leading state for our commitment to data-driven decision making,” said Governor Walz. “By using data and evidence thoughtfully and investing in policies that achieve results, we will continue to improve the lives of all Minnesotans.”

“From universal school meals and child care assistance to a child tax credit to reduce child poverty, we’re making historic investments in evidence-based practices to improve lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “This recognition reflects our commitment to prioritizing data-driven policies that deliver the best results for Minnesotans.”

Minnesota was one of only five states designated as national leaders in evidence-based decision-making by Results for America. Highlights of the state’s data-driven work include:

• A $1 billion investment per year for four years in evidence-based direct services for children and families.
• A $1.7 million investment in evaluating and improving programs and policies.
• Including evidence indicators in public budget documents.
• Promoting budgeting towards equitable outcomes.

“Governors, state legislators and state agency leaders are using the key levers of power – grantmaking, budgeting and direct services – to expand evidence-based solutions and accelerate economic mobility,” said Michele Jolin, CEO and co-founder of Results for America. “By building more efficient and effective governments, they are helping restore the public’s faith in government’s ability to tackle our most urgent challenges.”

“It’s important for state agencies to test assumptions about programs and to invest in services we know produce positive outcomes,” said MMB Commissioner Erin Campbell. “Minnesota Management and Budget partners with other state agencies and organizations to collect data that agency leaders, Governor Walz, and legislators can consider when deciding where to invest state resources.”

Results for America is a national nonprofit that promotes evidence-based policymaking. Its newly released 2023 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence highlights advances in evidence-based grantmaking, budgeting and direct services, and identifies 194 efforts across 46 states to build and use evidence and data to achieve better, more equitable results for residents. For more information about how states are building their data and evidence capacity, visit Results for America’s 2023 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence .