In 2025, the Levin Center conducted a study of all 50 states to examine how legislatures ensure government programs work effectively for citizens. Factors such as legislative oversight committees, routine engagement with executive agencies, collection of casework data, digital transparency tools, and user-centered policy evaluation were of particular importance. The full report can be found here.
State Summary #
The Maine Legislature has a strong tool for oversight in the Joint Government Oversight Committee, which meets regularly, is well supported by the Office of Program Evaluation and Government Accountability, and makes records of all its work easily available online. We recognize this bipartisan committee as a best practice in oversight generally. There is evidence of committees accepting testimony from the public, including electronically.
In 2024, the Committee produced a report entitled “Frontline Perspectives in Child Protection as Catalysts for Reform,” which is a particular national highlight of people-centered oversight owing to its emphasis on challenges for frontline staff as obstacles to achieving program goals.
