http://www.governing.com/authors/rss/rss/?a=116688809 John Griffith is a research associate at the Doing What Works project at the Center for American Progress. http://www.governing.com/columns/mgmt-insights/results-first-approach-cost-reduction.html When states and cities respond to record budget shortfalls with across-the-board cuts, some vital public services unnecessarily end up on the chopping block. http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/Designing-for-Success.html Lawmakers can steer clear of costly and politically embarrassing boondoggles while devoting scarce funds to their most promising new programs.