Strengthen government's ability to achieve results efficiently and effectively
Indicator 3: Adequacy of Safeguards for Public Funds
Measure c: Improvement in State's grade for the Finance portion of the Governing survey
Description:
In 2008, Washington received an overall grade of A-. This was the highest grade given out, and only two other states achieved it. The average of all 50 states graded was a B-. Washington's grade in the Money category, which measures the fiscal forecasting process, budget process, structural balance, contracting/purchasing policies, and financial controls/reporting, was A- in both 2005 and 2008. In Money, the national average was B-.
These grades are determined by the Government Performance Project, a joint effort by the Pew Center on the States and Governing Magazine, based on interviews and surveys conducted in every state. The assessment evaluates the management of budgets and money, employees, information, and infrastructure (e.g. state roads, bridges, and buildings).
The states are graded against a set of criteria, not ranked against each other. Since the criteria change each year, the same level of management quality may result in different grades in subsequent years.
| Washington's Grades from the Government Performance Project | ||
| 2005 | 2008 | |
| Overall | B+ |
A- |
| Money | A- |
A- |
Note:
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