[ST. PAUL, MN] – Yesterday, at a virtual event co-hosted by the National Governors Association and Results for America, Minnesota was recognized as a leading state in using evidence and data to deliver better results for Minnesotans.

Results for America, a national nonprofit that promotes evidence-based policymaking, released the 2022 Invest in What Works State Standard of Excellence, an annual report that assesses how states across the country are building and using data and evidence to drive budget, policy, and management decisions. This year’s Standard of Excellence identified 263 examples of data-driven and evidence-based practices, policies, programs, and systems (an increase of 61 from 2021) in 41 states across the country (an increase of five states from 2021).

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

“Since the beginning of our administration, Governor Walz and I have worked to ensure people most impacted by policies have a seat at the table,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “This recognition reflects our commitment to prioritizing evidence-based investments that deliver the best results for Minnesotans.”

Minnesota was one of eight leading states recognized for using evidence and data to protect the health and safety of their residents, accelerate their states’ economic recovery, advance equity, and increase the impact of state investments.

Since 2015, the Results Management team at Minnesota Management and Budget has conducted high quality research and inventoried more than 700 publicly funded programs and services offered across Minnesota available for policymakers to prioritize investments supported by research.

“In this year’s State Standard of Excellence, we saw a significant acceleration of efforts by state leaders across the country to build evidence and use it to invest in what works,” said Michele Jolin, CEO and Co-Founder of Results for America. “States are investing their own funds as well as federal funds to build and strengthen their evidence and data capacity, and investing in evaluations to help ensure they are delivering the best results for their residents.”