Maine

The Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability (OPEGA) exists to support the Legislature in monitoring and improving the performance of State government by conducting independent, objective reviews of State programs and activities with a focus on effectiveness, efficiency, and economical use of resources. Within this context, OPEGA also evaluates compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures. The independence and authorities granted to OPEGA by statute provide the Legislature with a valuable supplement to policy committee oversight. 3 MRSA § 997 contains provisions that provide access to information, even confidential records, that allow a more in-depth look at government operations. This Office is run by a director and staffed by a team localized to OPEGA.

The state of Maine appointed Ken Boykin as its Chief Data Officer in 2022. This position is part of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. The CDO is charged with developing the state’s data governance program to improve consistency, integrity, privacy, and availability of data.

The Government Evaluation Act of 1995 establishes a system for periodic review of the executive branch agencies and independent agencies of state government to evaluate their efficacy and performance. Within the act, agencies are required to demonstrate their goals, how they are meeting them, and the corrective measures they are taking in the event they are unfulfilled. Moreover, the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability also conducts independent reviews of state agencies focusing on effectiveness.