The conclusions of the U.S. General Accounting Office (GAO) concerning the effects of consolidating federal categorical aid programs into block grant programs are presented in this report. The block grants reviewed were established before 1981 under the Partnership for Health Act, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act, the Comprehensive…

Hearings were conducted in November of 1983 to ascertain the impact of specific governmental spending cuts on maternal and child health care. Testimony before the Subcommittee on Economic Goals and Intergovernmental Policy included (1) a summary of findings of a forthcoming report on the world economic crisis and children, which focused…

Reviews the fiscal effects on 28 of the largest U.S. school districts of the shift in federal funding of education from categorical aid to block grants. Focuses on the longitudinal pattern of funding, the status of desegregation efforts, and the level of participation of private school students. (PGD)

School district central office administrators were studied to determine the effects of state and federal regulatory policies for categorical funding on administrative costs and administrator behavior. Findings showed significant hidden program costs for local districts. Additionally, regulations diverted local managers from educational concerns to…

A study of Chapter 2 first-year implementation in nine states found that administrators like the flexibility of the block grants. Problems remain concerning the participation of private school students, service to special populations, and the continued use of state advisory councils. (MLF)

The Child Care and Development Block Grant sought to unify what was a fragmented child care system. As part of welfare reform, welfare-connected child care programs were repealed and new child care funding was placed under the aegis of the lead state agency for the Block Grant. This report provides an overview of the strategies that each state,…

It is argued that with New Zealand's new form of block grant funding, greater emphasis is placed on scientific publications than on disseminating research results in a more useful way to clients. It is recommended that successful communication of information be identified and rewarded. (MSE)

Discusses limits and strengths of existing procedural protections for persons affected by the implementation of block grants. Identifies the areas in which State or Federal legislation is most needed to ensure that people are treated fairly and that resources are distributed efficiently. (Author/GC)

It is argued that, with New Zealand's new form of block grant funding, greater emphasis is placed on scientific publications than on disseminating research results in a more useful way to clients. It is recommmended that successful communication of information be identified and rewarded. (MSE)

To maximize freedom from personal and political conflicts of interest, decentralized mechanisms of federal program evaluations are needed. Block grants mean that state legislatures and governors will become more responsible for oversight of funds. Three proposals are presented for helping the states deal with these increased evaluation…

Argues that the Reagan administration is dismantling the educational efforts of the past 50 years, which could result in chaos. Suggests that state departments are incapable of exercising leadership in the absence of a federal role. Predicts the abandonment of educational research and special concerns and the demise of equality. (Author/WD)

Reviews progress made toward educating handicapped children in the United States under Public Law 94-142. Describes how proposals by the Reagan Administration to reduce Federal involvement in education would place a heavy burden on individual States and would erode recent gains in educational opportunity for the handicapped. (GC)

Reviews features of President Bill Clinton's proposed $22 billion child care plan, a set of spending measures and tax credits designed to make child care more affordable, available, and safe for low- and middle-income families. Features noted include Head Start and after-school programs, and business tax credits. (HTH)

Describes the Personal Responsibility Act (HR 4) as passed by the U.S. House of Representatives and considered by the Senate. Argues that unless this act is radically altered the potential effects for child protection and the entire child welfare system could be catastrophic. (MDM)

Categorical education programs provide state funding to schools and local education agencies for the purchase of specific types of local services, such as transportation, subsidized meals, and supplemental instruction. California has at least 57 separate categorical programs. This document provides an overview of California's experience with…