Results-oriented initiative will end wasteful spending by state

By Robert Sprague and Don Manning

Special to The Vindicator

Too often in government, a problem arises and it quickly grabs our attention. Then policymakers rush into conference rooms in Columbus and work out some one-size-fits-all solution aimed at fixing the issue. But rarely does it work. Instead, taxpayer dollars are spent on more failing programs that place Ohio even further away from identifying real solutions to very real problems. Just recently, The Vindicator reported that in Trumbull County, overdose deaths are spiking once again – 27 already this year through March 13.

Billions spent

We can’t keep doing the same things and expect different results. Lives are being lost, and it’s costing Ohioans billions of dollars across a multitude of services – including health care, schools, jails, businesses and more. Rather than focusing on what produces results, we’re pouring all of our money and efforts into services.

We can all agree there’s a better way.

That’s why last month, we partnered to introduce legislation to create the innovative new ResultsOHIO fund. The fund will support “pay for success” initiatives that ensure Ohio’s taxpayer dollars are only spent on programs and initiatives that have proven to be effective.

Here’s how it works:

A persistent social or public health challenge, like heroin addiction, is identified by lawmakers. A private sector entity steps forward with its proposal to tackle the problem. The private entity and the state of Ohio then develop agreed-upon metrics that – at the initiative’s conclusion – will be used to determine if the initiative has succeeded in producing positive results, such as reducing overdoses and improving treatment options.

If the initiative has, in fact, met or surpassed the pre-determined metrics, the Results- OHIO fund will reimburse the private sector partner for all costs associated with the administration of the project. But if the metrics are not met, the private entity absorbs all costs, and not a single taxpayer dollar is spent.

Through the ResultsOHIO model, any public policy challenge that has a measurable outcome of success may be addressed. ResultsOHIO does not create any new debt, it is not a new form of public assistance and it stops putting hard-earned tax dollars behind failed government-run programs.

Cutting edge

An approach like this one is relatively new. But, the time is right for Ohio to be on the cutting edge.

We can’t bankrupt our future fixing the problems of today, and we can’t spend generations fighting the same problems over and over again.

Through ResultsOHIO, we have an opportunity to create a smarter government and end the cycle of paying for failing programs. Now is the time to only pay for the programs that work – our families’, friends’ and neighbors’ lives are depending on it.

Republican Robert Sprague is treasurer of Ohio; Republican Don Manning of New Middletown represents the 59th House District.