This paper discusses policies to improve fiscal relations between levels of government to better meet the needs of citizens, an objective of the government's "Roadmap for Decentralisation". Although local government accounts for around half of total government spending, they have little autonomy and fiscal resources vary sharply between…

This report examines 1982 Federal budget proposals to reduce allocations for civil rights enforcement efforts, to reduce or eliminate several equal rights programs, and to limit categorical grants in favor of block grants that would authorize funding for several activities under one law. The analysis derives its basis from government principles of…

Characterizes federal support for education as a political process involving Congress, the president, special interest groups, program administrators, and the general public. Examines policy shifts from bipartisan congressional leadership in the late 1940s through John Kennedy's advocacy of federal aid and Ronald Reagan's endorsement of state and…

Creating more comprehensive, community-based support systems and reforming early childhood financing systems are critical to advancing the goal of having all children enter school ready to learn. The Finance Project is a national initiative to improve effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of financing for education, children's services, and…

This congressional report contains testimony given at an oversight hearing on the termination of the Community Services Administration (CSA) and the subsequent transition to the community services block grant program. Among those organizations and agencies represented at the hearing were the following: the National Community Action Agency; the…

Surveys how states are investing new federal money in child care quality and supply. Examines several key areas: child care licensing and monitoring; resource and referral services; child care for infants, school-agers, and children with special needs; child care for low-income families; comprehensive and enriched services; provider training;…

Federal block grants and consolidated programs related to poverty reduction may compel states to streamline administrative structures and approaches that have deterred collaboration in the past. This report considers the block grant environment in making key policy recommendations for reducing poverty in rural areas, formulated during a Pathways…

This paper represents a pooling of diverse perspectives and experiences of four organizations concerned that the current block grant structure of funding for social and family support services will not adequately improve the social services system or the lives of children and families. Focusing on ways in which the current re-examination of…

The passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 means that, for the first time, the federal government has shifted substantial responsibility for maintaining a social safety net for the most vulnerable populations to the state governments. This guide summarizes the contents of the new law, identifies…

The Advisory Panel on Financing Elementary and Secondary Education appointed by President Reagan in 1982 developed recommendations regarding both the Federal role in education and the practical means for carrying out that role. To encourage accountability and educational quality, the panel urged giving locally selected authorities primary…

This report summarizes and analyzes the actions of the 104th Congress in legislative areas of importance to children with serious emotional disturbances. Emphasis is on the obstacles now facing advocates and policymakers concerned with these children. An executive summary identifies program changes in child mental health services programs,…

The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which was the first piece of legislation to provide for basic literacy training to adults, was passed as a result of a number of factors, including socioeconomic conditions, the influence of the media, and the political astuteness of President Lyndon B. Johnson. As a redistributive policy, the Economic…

This commentary focuses on the role of the Canadian federal government in early childhood development policy. The commentary begins by exploring the twin pillars of Canada's family policy, income support and services, then asserts that policy must move beyond these traditional provisions to offer early childhood development initiatives that will…

A study examined the views of state vocational education directors concerning the impact of the 1976 amendments to the Vocational Education Act in their states. Specifically addressed in the study were the effects of the amendments on elimination of sex stereotyping and on helping displaced homemakers. To collect these data researchers…

State advisory councils have been established by Congress to serve as an instrument for developing systematic, effective communications linkages between the world of education and the world of work. They are also intended to serve as advisors and independent evaluators of vocational education programs and to report their findings to appropriate…