Hi Kyle,

   I can only address this from my job perspective. I work on contract with
the Feds. The States supply us with admission and discharge data for their
alcohol and drug rehab. In past years we funded even the states that didn't
really comply - now we have laid down the rule - no comply no deniro.
Amazing what with holding funds will do for getting work done. Yet I feel
bad for the states becasue their agencies are being cut back, and this
creates real problems. I have been thinking for awhile - something has to
give before we crash big time.

                              Trisha


> Mike-
>
> There is incredible accountability at the state and local level for
> reception of federal funds.  Not good accountability, but lots of it
> (e.g.,huge oversight bureaucracies for school funding, highways, Medicare,
> etc.).  States are hurting more from unfunded federal mandates than from
> any
> other common (to all states) financial burden.  The U.S. does not have a
> constitutional mandate for a balanced federal budget.  Most states have
> such
> a mandate in their constitutions.  Washington signs a federal mandate into
> law, yet expects the idividual states to ante up.  It would be funny if it
> weren't so heartbreaking at the local gov't level.
>
> KC
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Michael H Collis [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: Wednesday, April 30, 2003 4:13 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: civil war, was re. earthquake
>
> <snip>   In
> effect, the advocates for states rights now make the states into little
> nations with little accountability to Washington as to the handling of
> federal funds or otherissues.