Author Archives: Patrick Lester

Evidence-Based Policy Proponents Face Cost, Privacy, Political Hurdles

After three initial meetings, early hints are beginning to emerge on what may eventually become a package of recommendations from the congressionally authorized Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking. Enacted in March, the bipartisan commission has been tasked with developing recommendations that … Continue reading

Posted in Evidence

CBO Says CMMI Will Save $34 Billion Over 10 Years

In testimony before the House Budget Committee, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI) will save the federal government $34 billion over the next ten years (2017-2026). CMMI was established by the … Continue reading

Posted in Health

More Data than Evidence in Evidence Commission’s First Meeting

Will the new Evidence-based Policymaking Commission, created by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on March 30, actually further the cause of evidence-based policymaking? With just one meeting under its belt, it is too early to know for … Continue reading

Posted in Evidence

Evidence Guidelines Are Slated for U.S. Foreign Assistance Programs Under New Law

On July 15, President Obama signed legislation into law that would establish federal guidelines for monitoring and evaluating U.S. foreign assistance programs. Under the new law, called the Foreign Aid Transparency and Accountability Act,  the next administration would be directed … Continue reading

Posted in Evidence, Foreign Assistance

The Moneyball Debate

There is an emerging debate over the “Moneyball for Government” concept. Two perspectives in the Stanford Social Innovation Review. Srik Gopal & Lisbeth B. Schorr, Getting “Moneyball” Right in the Social Sector (June 2, 2016) Patrick Lester, Defining Evidence Down … Continue reading

Posted in Evidence

House Moves Bill With Career and Technical Education Innovation Program

A House education committee today unanimously approved legislation (HR 5587) that would reauthorize the Department of Education’s career and technical education programs. The bipartisan legislation would also create a new innovation program that would support evidence-based career and technical education … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Workforce Issues

No More “Deals”

One of the strengths of pay for success is that it brings together several distinct worlds in pursuit of a common goal, including nonprofits, government, and the private sector. As one might expect, however, the cultures of these different actors … Continue reading

Posted in Social Impact Bonds / Pay for Success

White House Announces Data-Driven Justice Initiative

The White House today announced a new initiative intended to help divert low-level offenders from jail, particularly those with mental illness or low-risk individuals who cannot afford bail. The newly announced effort, called the Data-Driven Justice Initiative, will work with … Continue reading

Posted in Criminal Justice

Hillary Clinton Pledges to Double Investment in i3

Evidence-based policy made an appearance on the campaign trail this week, with the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee pledging to double funding for the new version of i3 — called the Education Innovation and Research (EIR) program. According the campaign: Hillary … Continue reading

Posted in Education, Politics