Investigated whether block grants improve decision making through the decentralization of control of social programs to state governments. Found that department bureaucrats have sought to protect the new flexibility from encroachment by elected officials through the rationalization and systematization of decision-making procedures. (Author/ABB)

This article is concerned with the aged and looks briefly at the history of federal involvement in mental health care, discusses current trends, and examines the future of mental health care in the United States. (CMG)

Most district officials interviewed expressed satisfaction with the simplified application procedures and increased district discretion offered by the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act. Perceived negative aspects included the amount of funding and possibility of a decrease, the potential neglect of research, the loss of federal…

Analysis of formula allocations plus discretionary grants of Chapter 2 funds to the 28 largest school districts reveals decreases in funding in 16 districts formerly receiving the greatest Emergency School Aid Act allocations. These districts generally experienced smaller cuts under the block grants than during the year before consolidation. (MJL)

The senator explains the basic concepts of New Federalism, including a rethinking of responsibilities and intergovernmental relations and a reconsideration of the role of state and local government. (SK)

Reviews characteristics and operations of state legislatures in the context of the current reforms proposed by the federal government and the devolution of authority to the states via block grants. Examines proposed changes related to welfare, Medicaid, workforce training, and taxation, highlighting the impact of these reforms on state…

Recently increased public concern for educational quality and America's international competitiveness has produced a more favorable climate for improving K-12 science education. Two principal federal agencies, the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Department of Education (ED), have differing "investment portfolios." ED provides…

Defines the block grant concept and outlines the consequences of the financial freedom offered by block grants from both microeconomic and macroeconomic perspectives. Considers effects on institutional autonomy and economic efficiency. Recommends combining marginal cost pricing with formula-matching block grants to support decentralized education.…

Discusses implementation issues surrounding the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act of 1981 (Chapter 2), which consolidates 28 programs, including the Emergency School Aid Act (ESAA), the major federal desegregation program. Major concerns include reduced eligibility requirements, distribution of funds, administrative responsibility,…

Federal education programs increase costs because they attach fewer strings to funds than state or local grants, and this is likely to lead to administrative empire-building. Bureaucracy tends pathologically as it grows to generate more work for itself independent of true administrative needs. Some policy implications are drawn. (MJL)

Discusses the shift of responsibility for public schooling back to the states and localities and the fact that block grants have become an integral part of national policy. Explains the effect of the cut in federal funds on the nation's schools. (JOW)

Summarizes issues affecting Black children and child care in Africa as addressed in the 11th Annual Conference of the National Black Child Development Institute. (Author/MP)

Reports on major bills passed by the houses of Congress, designed to cut federal funding and also to streamline delivery systems for child care and related services. In addition, discusses the Clinton administration's proposed budget for Federal Year 1996, which calls for increased funding for child care. (AA)

With the enactment of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (P.L. 104-193) of 1996, also known as the Welfare-to-Work Act, Aid to Families with Dependent Children was abolished and replaced with Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF). A new system of block grants to states for TANF was created, changing the…

Cherokee Nation, along with 257 grantees, representing more than 500 Indian Tribes, Alaskan Native Villages, and Native Hawaiian Organizations, receives federal block grant funds to improve child care for Indian children. This article discusses child care, service, relationship between programs, initiative, implementation, cooperation, and setting…