Maximizing the Potential of Florida’s Policy Research Resource
The Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability (OPPAGA) is an essential tool for Florida legislators, providing research and policy analysis to guide decision-making. However, staffing and funding cuts have limited its capacity to deliver the comprehensive insights legislators need. This report outlines steps to reinvigorate OPPAGA and utilize it more effectively for evidence-based governance.
Key Insights
Current Challenges
- Reduced Capacity: OPPAGA’s staff has been cut by over 40% since 2010, reducing annual studies from 60 to an average of 23.
- Limited Distribution: Only a portion of OPPAGA’s research—mainly reports—are widely shared with legislators, leaving research memos and recommendations underutilized.
Why OPPAGA Matters
- Provides performance evaluations and policy reviews for legislative initiatives.
- Ensures accountability through program evaluations and technical assistance.
- Informs budget and policy decisions with objective, research-backed data.
Proposed Solutions
- Expand Funding and Staffing
- Increase authorized positions and salaries to attract and retain talent.
- Restore OPPAGA’s ability to conduct two-year follow-up evaluations for accountability.
- Enhance Research Accessibility
- Distribute all OPPAGA research products, including memos and recommendations, to legislators.
- Align OPPAGA’s outputs with legislative needs by prioritizing studies on critical policy areas.
- Utilize OPPAGA for Program Effectiveness
- Leverage OPPAGA to evaluate the impact and efficiency of state-funded programs.
- Identify successful initiatives and redirect resources from underperforming programs.
Why It Matters
Investing in OPPAGA strengthens Florida’s governance by:
- Ensuring taxpayer dollars support effective and efficient programs.
- Providing legislators with the evidence needed to make informed decisions.
- Enhancing transparency and accountability in public spending