OPE: Where government critiques itself

It’s easy to criticize government from the comfort of an armchair, far removed from its actual operation. That’s an American right.

Closer in, government can also be critical of itself. 

As the July 18 My Turn in the Press pointed out, one example is Idaho’s independent, nonpartisan Office of Performance Evaluations, whose small staff evaluates the effectiveness of statutory programs we voters and taxpayers support. OPE evaluations help disclose hidden or unanticipated costs, poor performance and, hopefully, successes.

One recently released OPE report concluded that Idaho’s $89 million Health Information Exchange program lacks sufficient oversight and transparency.

“The state treated the exchange like a monopoly, even as the Department of Health and Welfare paid millions to expand the exchange’s capabilities,” the report states.

That’s an interesting condemnation of a state program, made by another arm of the state. 

In humans and in government, self-awareness and the willingness to learn from mistakes may be the most essential element of success. Objective self-policing not only facilitates that process, it’s a vital part of any government attempting to operate under democratic principles and ethics. Nevertheless, some have recently tried to reduce its scope and authority. Perhaps to expand their own, unfettered. 

Created in 1994 by Idaho Code 67-457, the nonpartisan Office of Performance Evaluations conducts performance evaluations of state agencies and programs. A small staff of analysts fulfills its mission to promote confidence and accountability in state government by completing a handful of thorough evaluations each year (and many smaller ones) and presenting conclusions along with policy or budget recommendations to its legislative oversight committee.

 OPE evaluations assess:

• Compliance with applicable laws and legislative intent;

• Efficiency and cost-effectiveness; and

• Whether programs achieve intended results

OPE reports to the bipartisan Joint Legislative Oversight Committee, comprised of four Idaho senators and four representatives, with both Republicans and Democrats equally represented. 

Only legislators may request evaluations, but they may do so on behalf of agency staff or constituents. The eight-member JLOC currently includes Coeur d’Alene District 3 Rep. Jordan Redman.

Evaluation topics are unlimited — any program or service conducted by an Idaho agency, as requested by legislators or relevant to legislative interests. Pending and past report topics include youth and education programs and funding; coroner investigations; Medicaid, dementia care, and welfare; criminal justice and treatment centers; EMS; immigrant issues; taxes and more. Read the reports, along with JLOC minutes, at https://legislature.idaho.gov/ope.

Thirty years of OPE reports — and legislative responses to them — have led to changes in state law, funding and program effectiveness. Some have been minor and under the radar; others have transformed entire systems.

We tend to think of government at work mostly through high-profile candidates at election time, or when there is something to complain about. What goes on behind the scenes is much more complex and massive, and more often than most of us credit, actually does society good.

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Sholeh Patrick, J.D. is a former congressional staffer and state business lobbyist, and a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholeh@cdapress.com.