Describes the impact in Colorado of the shift from categorical federal aid to block grants under the Education Consolidation and Improvement Act. Covers Colorado education's demographic, socioeconomic, and political context; variations in program impact among school districts; the shift's effects on redistribution of federal aid; and selected…

In 1984 the Education Department (ED) began to monitor state education agencies' (SEA) administration of the education block grant known as "Chapter 2." ED staff visited 21 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico and found many serious problems among the SEAs and local education agencies (LEAs). The problems are divided into…

Examines the state of early childhood policy in the United States and presents critical policy considerations and solutions. Discusses current trends of devolution of authority to the states, block grants, and budget control. Asserts that educators must work to effect positive change rather than despair over recent policy developments. (BGC)

To help local school officials implement the federal Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) of 1981, this handbook offers a step-by-step walk through the new law and presents recommendations for local policies concerning the law. ECIA replaces most categorical programs under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act with block grants…

Traces recent developments in federal/state relations including the shift in federal aid from places to people. Examines the change in federal influence from grants to regulations. Concludes with a discussion of the differences between Congressional and White House attempts to trim the federal budget. (MJP)

Traces the historical development of the conflict between state sovereignty and the role of the federal government. State sovereignty, supposedly guaranteed by the 10th Amendment, has been seriously eroded by the federal government's extension of the commerce clause. Briefly discusses seminal cases in this development. (MJP)

Maintains that intergovernmental relations are dynamic because local, state, and federal governments constantly respond to changing expectations. This interdependent relationship requires the various governments to modify their pursuit of special interests through daily bargaining. This process affects every aspect of government. (MJP)

Encapsulates several brief articles providing perspectives from the states, the 104th Congress, the Supreme Court, and the White House. Issues covered include the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act and the White House attempts to reduce the federal workforce. Authors include Hank Brown, Rita G. Koman, James L. Martin, and Joseph R. Marbach. (MJP)

This publication is a compilation of maternal and child health and related laws enacted since 1912. It is designed as a ready reference for understanding Title V state programs and Title V discretionary project grant programs. The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program has operated as a federal-state partnership for more than 70 years. This…

This report contains transcripts of testimonies and prepared statements presented at a session of the Subcommittee on Civil and Constitutional Rights. The session was convened to conduct hearings on the civil rights implication of the education block grant program proposed by the Reagan Administration. Statements of the following witnesses are…

The 1996 welfare reform law--the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act--has contradictory aspects. It gives the states greatly increased fiscal flexibility and at the same time sets extensive and elaborate new behavioral requirements. The dynamics of welfare since the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935 have been…

Two public hearings on the implementation of the federal Child Care and Development Block Grant in California are summarized. Over 200 testimonies were either received by the state's Child Development Programs Advisory Committee or presented during the hearings. In spite of the diverse demographic representation, the variety of viewpoints and…

The effects of Chapter 2 block grants on fund distribution, programs, and school district spending, and the role played in Chapter 2 implementation by parents and citizens were investigated. Interim findings include the following: (1) there has been a massive redistribution of Federal funds away from States serving large numbers of poor nonwhite…

The 1996 welfare reform legislation replaced the Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) program with a new Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) block grant. This new program has a fixed funding level that is not altered by inflation or economic cycles or caseload size. Individual states' shares are based on the amount they…

Presents opposing viewpoints on federalism and state sovereignty. Charles J. Cooper argues for states powers based on a constructionist interpretation of the constitution. Herman Schwartz maintains that the national economy is so tightly intertwined, and the protection of civil liberties is too great to leave these functions to the states. (MJP)