Focus on Results
Connecticut
has used
Results-Based Accountability (RBA)
to focus policy, budgeting and oversight decisions on the ends–the quality-of-life results for a population, rather than the means-- the output of a program or system. Instead of replacing the line-item budget, the goal is to consider how multiple program and agency expenditures and strategies together contribute to desired results for the state population.
In 2005, Connecticut’s General Assembly created a
RBA subcommittee
to determine how a results focus will be incorporated into the appropriations process, and how the process could engage other legislative appropriations subcommittees and executive branch agencies regarding desired outcomes and measures. The subcommittee started with two results: a healthy and productive Long Island Sound and children healthy and ready for school.
Budget hearings with state agencies were based on seven results-based questions and
templates
were created to assure presentations to the subcommittee focused on indicators for measuring progress toward desired results, the “story behind the data” for each indicator, and proposed strategies for improving results.
Use of RBA
is expanding to the legislature’s other appropriations committees, which in 2009 will develop results-focused report cards and presentations. The FY 2007- 2009 biennial budget shifted dramatically in the targeted results areas as a consequence of RBA. Use of results to drive budget decisions in the current fiscal climate is even more important than in previous years.