Ohio to encourage experimentation to address social problems

CLEVELAND (AP) — Ohio is joining other states in encouraging privately funded, experimental social programs that address problems like opioid addiction by offering government paybacks to funders if projects achieve or exceed targeted goals.

The state “pay-for-success” effort, called ResultsOHIO, is being championed by Republican Treasurer Robert Sprague and is included in the upcoming biennial budget.

Sprague says successful innovation in small pilot programs could provide models for government agencies to improve their delivery of services without risking tax dollars upfront.

About two dozen pay-for-success programs are underway in the U.S., including a county-sponsored program in Cleveland. None has reached the final stage where independent evaluators have concluded whether they’ve met or exceeded stated goals, which would trigger a payback to investors with interest.