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Intergovernmental Affairs

federalism, intergovernmental affairs & unfunded mandates

Issues concerning federalism are of prime importance to states, and federal-state relationships are of pivotal concern to state officials. The federal government sometimes requires state, local and tribal governments to expend resources to achieve certain goals. These requirements are called intergovernmental or unfunded mandates. Unfunded mandates can take several forms, such as enforceable duties, changes in entitlement programs or a reduction in federal funding for an existing mandate.
The CSG Washington office, along with other intergovernmental partners, aims to identify those mandates that have an impact on state budgets and alert its membership about the potential ramifications of such actions.

 

Resources

  1. Intergovernmental Affairs Committee
  2. Policy Positions & Resolutions
  3. Federal Legislation
  4. State Legislation
  5. State Programs
  6. IGA Legislative Updates
  7. CSG Publications
  8. Staff Contact

 

 

 

policy positions & resolutions
Current Policy Positions
2009 Spring Meeting
  1. Resolution on ARRA Administrative Costs
  2. Resolution on Stimulus Infrastructure Funding and the Next Federal Authorization of Transportation Programs
  3. Resolution on Carbon Capture and Storage Policy
  4. Resolution on Federal Policy on Nuclear Waste Management
  5. Resolution Recommending CLE Credits for Attorneys Who Attend SSL Meetings
2008 Annual Meeting
  1. CSG Resolution on Digital Television Transition
  2. CSG Resolution on Energy Security and Climate Stewardship
  3. CSG Resolution on the Future of Transportation Programs
  4. CSG Resolution on the Reauthorization of the School Lunch Program
  5. CSG Resolution Opposing Federal Insurance Chartering Efforts
  6. CSG Resolution Opposing Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act Application to Juvenile Offenders
  7. CSG Resolution Opposing the State Video Tax Fairness Act
  8. CSG Resolution Supporting Amendment to Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
  9. CSG Resolution Supporting Child Support Protection Legislation
  10. CSG Resolution Supporting Increased Medicaid Financial Assistance
  11. CSG Resolution to Reduce Health Disparities for HIV and AIDS
2008 Spring Meeting
  1. Resolution on Protecting Access and Encouraging Bioscience and Pharmaceutical Innovation
  2. Resolution Supporting Comprehensive Cancer Control
  3. Resolution on Universal Early Childhood Education
  4. Resolution in Support of Farm to School Programs
  5. Resolution on Improving Access to Higher Education
  6. Resolution in Support of Maintaining and Sustaining Federal Homeland Security Funding
  7. Resolution in Support of Full Funding for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
  8. Resolution Supporing the U.S. House of Representatives' Moratorium on Medicaid Regulations
  9. Endorsement of Homeland Security Consortium White Paper
  10. Resolution on the Prevention of Childhood Obesity
  11. Resolution Opposing Amendment or Repeal of the Tower Amendment
  12. Resolution on Transportation Finance
  13. Resolution Supporting the Return of Unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds to Their Rightful Owners
  14. Resolution to Extend the Productive Lives of Water Reservoirs
2007 Annual Meeting
  1. Resolution in Support of 'Ending Cervical Cancer in our Lifetime'
  2. CSG Conflict of Interest Policy
  3. Resolution Supporting the Federal Consent Decree Fairness Act
  4. Resolution Supporting the Reauthorization of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act
  5. Resolution on Reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act
  6. Resolution on the Patient-Centered Medical Home
  7. Resolution on Public Health and Climate Change
  8. Resolution on Smoking Cessation
2007 Spring Meeting
  1. Dairy Price Reporting
  2. Fresh Local Milk
  3. Insurance Pre-emption
  4. Interstate Sale of Inspected Meat
  5. National Guard
  6. Regional Primary
  7. Rural Development
  8. SCHIP
  9. Summer Food Service
  10. Transportation Policy Statement
  11. Policy Resolution Process
  12. Background Materials for Insurance Resolution part 1
  13. Background Materials for Insurance Resolution part 2
  14. Background Materials for National Guard Resolution: House
  15. Background Materials for National Guard Resolution: Senate
  16. Background Materials for National Guard Resolution: Public law
2006 Annual Meeting
  1. Adult Preventive Health Services
  2. Cervical Cancer Prevention
  3. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
  4. Department of Defense Renewable Energy
  5. Dropout Prevention
  6. Energy Efficiency
  7. E-Recycling
  8. Flu Vaccinations
  9. Free Online Tax Preparation and Electronic Filing
  10. Healthy Community Design
  11. NCLB Reauthorization
  12. Pandemic Flu Preparedness
  13. Public Pension Liabilities
  14. Worksite Wellness
Expired Policy Positions
According to the bylaws of The Council of State Governments, official policy positions adopted by the Governing Board/Executive Committee sunset after three years. The following expired policy resolutions are provided to illustrate the range of issues in which CSG has been engaged and to serve as an archive of past policy positions.
2006 Spring Meeting
  1. Community Water Fluoridation
  2. Graduated Driver's Licensing
  3. Nuclear Fuel Management
  4. Specialty Hospitals
  5. Statement of Intergovernmental Policy: Immigration

 

2005 Annual Meeting
  1. Active Living and Healthy Eating for School-Age Children
  2. Encroachment of Military Facilities
  3. Health Information Technology
  4. In Support of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recognizing State Investments to Preserve Reservoirs
  5. Quality and Patient Safety in Healthcare Facilities
  6. Regarding the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
  7. Role of the Military in Disaster Response
  8. Supporting Criminal Background Checks for Nurses Applying for State Licensure
2005 Spring Meeting
  1. Comprehensive Cancer Control
  2. In Support of Legislation to Promote the Use and Production of Biofuels
  3. Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation
  4. Prevention and Treatment of Obesity
  5. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
  6. Supporting Permanency for Beneficial Tax Treatment of College Savings Plans
  7. Supporting the Return of Unclaimed U.S. Savings Bonds to their Rightful Owners
  8. Statement of Intergovernmental Policy: Communications
2004 Annual Meeting
  1. Animal Guardianship and Liability Legislation
  2. Diabetes Care
  3. Health Care Quality
  4. Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children
  5. Proposed Federal Business Activity Tax Legislation
2004 Spring Meeting
  1. Medicaid’s State-Federal Financial Partnership
  2. Supporting the Establishment of a National Homeland Security Consortium with Members Representing Appropriate State and Local Stakeholder Organizations
  3. Supporting Maintaining the Intended Use of the Emergency Management Grant Program (EMPG) and Continuing the Program at Adequate Funding Levels
  4. Supporting Maintaining and Sustaining Homeland Security Funding, While Preserving Traditional All-Hazards Programs

 

 

federalism: staff contact
CSG DC Office
202.624.5460
csgdc@csg.org

 

 

 

federal legislation
Coming Soon

 

 

Federalism: State legislation
Suggested State Legislation
Integrated Permit System (2005)

 

 

 

federalism: state programs
Innovations Awards
Finalist - Tennessee - 2005 - Southeast Alternative Fuels Task Force
This team comprised of state environmental officers, energy officers, transportation officers, Clean Cities coalitions and private sector stakeholders works together to advance the use of cleaner burning fuels in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Georgia. The task force is currently focused on developing refueling corridors and accompanying support tactics so that by 2010, facilities that provide biodiesel and ethanol will be strategically located along key interstate highways.
Finalist - Nebraska - 2003 - County eGovernment Initiative
This program provides support for development of Web sites and online services for county governments, and as the state’s official Web portal and network, provides the service at no cost to participating counties.
Finalist - New Jersey - 2003 - Intergovernmental Transfer Program
This program allows state and local government employees with permanent civil service status to transfer between state and local employment jurisdictions while maintaining their permanent status.

 

 

Federalism: publications
2007
  1. "The Reality of REAL ID: States Push for Changes to Federal Law," State News, Oct. 2007.
2006
  1. “Stemming Research: Feds Won’t Fund Stem Cell Research, But States Will,” State News, Oct. 2006.
  2. “Match Game: States, Army Work to Find Compatible Neighbors for Installations,” State News, Aug. 2006.
  3. “Loans of Prey: States’ Efforts to Stop Predatory Lending Could be Blocked by Federal Pre-emption,” State News, May 2006.
  4. “Toll Roads Tip to Privatization,” State News, April 2006.
  5. “Part D-lemma: Implementing Medicare Prescription Drug Plan a Costly Proposition for States,” State News, March 2006.
  6. “All Eyes on South Dakota After Legislators OK Abortion Ban,” Stateline Midwest, March 2006.
  7. Issue Brief: Increased Freight Movement Calls Attention to Inadequate National Transportation Infrastructure, Eastern Regional Conference, March 2006.
  8. “Changes to Michigan Welfare System Still Possible in 2006,” Stateline Midwest, Feb. 2006.
  9. “States Crosswise with Crossing Rules: States and Provinces Concerned about Economic Impact of Proposed Passport Requirements,” State News, Feb. 2006.
  10. “U.S. and Canadian Legislators Seek Border Security and Economic Viability,” The Nor’Easter, Winter 2006.
2005
  1. Trends in America: Navigating Turbulence to Success, Dec. 2005.
  2. “Learning Curve: North Dakota Adjusts to Changes in Era of No Child Left Behind,” Stateline Midwest, Nov. 2005.
  3. “Roomful of Ideas: Future of Agricultural Policy Focus of Ohio Forum on 2007 Farm Bill,” Stateline Midwest, Oct. 2005.
  4. “Iowa Leads Medicaid Reform,” State News, Sept. 2005.
  5. “Confidentiality a Concern in National Animal ID System,” Stateline Midwest, Aug. 2005.
  6. “Trends in America: Charting the Course Ahead,” State News, Aug. 2005.
  7. “Rising Medicaid Costs Test State-Federal Partnership,” Stateline Midwest, Aug. 2005.
  9. The 2007 Farm Bill in Context, Southern Legislative Conference, July 2005.
  10. “States Pursue New Medicaid Cost-Containment Strategies,” Stateline Midwest, July 2005.
  11. “States Eye Basin-Wide Approach to Control Aquatic Invaders,” Stateline Midwest, July 2005.
  12. “Special Care: Iowa Emerges as National Leader with Medicaid Reform Plan,” Stateline Midwest, June 2005.
  1. Trends in America: Charting the Course Ahead, June 2005.
  2. “States Are Crucial Part of Effort to Keep Animal ID Plan on Track,” Stateline Midwest, June 2005.
  3. “States Prepare to Implement New Driver’s License Standards,” Stateline Midwest, June 2005.
  4. “The New Politics of Federalism,” Spectrum, Spring 2005.
  5. “Governors’ Initiatives in 2005: Facing Up to the Problem?” Spectrum, Spring 2005.
  6. “The Challenges Facing the Eastern Region and Partners,” Spectrum, Spring 2005.
  7. “Homeland Security Preparedness: Federal and State Mandates and Local Government,” Spectrum, Spring 2005.
  8. “Getting Ready for D-Day: States Brace for Medicare Changes,” State News, May 2005.
  9. “States Get Savvy on Trade Strategy,” State News, May 2005.
  10. “10 Change Drivers for the Future,” State News, Jan. 2005.
  11. “Stopping the Revolving Door: Access to Federal Benefits is One Key to Helping Mentally Ill Offenders Re-Enter the Community,” State News, Jan. 2005.
  12. “2004 Election Success and State Initiatives,” Spectrum, Winter 2005.
2004
  1. “Saving Our Oceans: Federal Commission Recommends State Involvement in Protecting Coastal Waters,” State News, Nov./Dec. 2004.
  2. “Implementing No Child Left Behind,” State News, Oct. 2004.
  3. “States’ Role in Fighting Terrorism,” State News, Oct. 2004.
  4. “States Adjust to Challenges, Opportunities Presented by Help America Vote Act,” Firstline Midwest, Oct. 2004.
  5. “Regional Cooperation: The Border Legislative Conference,” Spectrum, Fall 2004.
  1. Issue Brief: Implementing No Child Left Behind, Eastern Regional Conference, Sept. 2004.
  2. “A New Game Plan for Disasters: The National Response Plan Has Implications for States,” State News, Aug. 2004.
  3. “New Roles for Civilian Soldiers: National Guard Takes on Increased Roles at Home and Abroad,” State News, Aug. 2004.
  4. “Trends Worth Watching,” State News, June/July 2004.
  1. TrendsAlert: Prescription Drug Importation, June 2004.
  1. Southern States’ Clean Air Act Compliance: Ozone and Particulate Matter Standards in Transition, Southern Legislative Conference, June 2004.
  2. “Medicaid Today: Confronting Costs, Maintaining Quality,” Health Policy Monitor, Spring 2004.
  3. “Anniversary of Brown Decision Leads to Questions about Its Legacy,” Stateline Midwest, May 2004.
  1. Issue Brief: Increased Responsibilities for National Guard at Home and Abroad, Eastern Regional Conference, May 2004.
  2. “Leavitt Ready for EPA,” State News, April 2004.
  3. “Tweaking NCLB: States Given More Time to Meet Needs of English-Learning Students,” State News, April 2004.
  4. “Developing a Defense: States’ Role in Protecting Critical Infrastructures is Still Emerging,” State News, April 2004.
  5. “Key Issues: CSG Task Forces Consider Emerging Trends,” State News, April 2004.
  6. Issue Brief: State and Federal Initiatives in Homeland Security, Eastern Regional Conference, April 2004.
  7. Regional Transmission Organization Presence and Activities in Southern States, Southern Legislative Conference, Jan. 2004.
  8. “Fixing the Flaws in Elections,” State Government News, March 2004.
  9. “Collaboration is the Key: Intergovernmental Coalition Issues Homeland Security Policy Recommendations,” State Government News, March 2004.
  10. “Lending a Helping Hand: Model Legislation Helps Local Governments Aid Each Other in Emergencies,” State Government News, March 2004.
  11. “Federalism and the Environment,” State Government News, Feb. 2004.
  12. “What’s in the Cards for 2004?” State Government News, Jan. 2004.
  13. “Federal Report Highlights Value of Mental Health Reform Efforts,” Stateline Midwest, Jan. 2004.
  1. Issue Brief: Clean Fuel, Dirty Water: The Debate over MTBE in the U.S. Energy Bill and Implications for the Northeast, Eastern Regional Conference, Jan. 2004.
2003
  1. “Federalism in Flux,” State Government News, Oct. 2003.
  2. “Color-Coding Security: States Share Concerns, Best Practices for Homeland Security Advisory Systems,” State Government News, Sept. 2003.
  3. “Have You Spotted This Trend?” State Government News, Sept. 2003.
  1. Issue Brief: The Future of Rail in the Northeast Corridor, Eastern Regional Conference, Sept. 2003.
  2. “New Kid on the Block: Would Turning the Housing Choice Voucher Program into a Block Grant Improve It, Or Create a New Underfunded Mandate for the States?” State Government News, Aug. 2003.
  3. “Judicial Legislating,” State Government News, Aug. 2003.
  4. “Summit Tackles Tough Issues: Emergency Response Organizations Meet to Discuss Key Issues for State and Local Preparedness,” State Government News, Aug. 2003.
  5. “Will the NCLB Help Rural Schools?” State Government News, June/July 2003.
  6. “Controversy Surrounds Reading First,” State Government News, June/July 2003.
  7. “Interstate Cooperation,” State Government News, June/July 2003.
  8. “School Choice Gains Momentum,” State Government News, June/July 2003.
  9. “Medicaid Relief: New Federal Assistance a Help, But Rising Costs Still Devouring Budgets,” Stateline Midwest, June 2003.
  10. “Court OKs Sex Offender Registries,” State Government News, May 2003.
  11. “States Have Options in Fiscal Crisis,” State Government News, May 2003.
  12. “States Move Millions in DHS Funds,” State Government News, May 2003.
  13. “Health Care’s Dual Crises,” State Government News, May 2003.
  14. “Lawmakers Disagree over Path to Take Toward Election Reform,” Stateline Midwest, May 2003.
  15. “Trends in Medicaid Cost Control in the States,” Spectrum, Spring 2003.
  16. “Federalizing Education: States Struggle With Decreased Autonomy and Increased Costs as They Try to Implement No Child Left Behind,” State Government News, April 2003.
  17. “The Impact of War on the States,” State Government News, April 2003.
  18. “Federalism: Finding the Balance,” State Government News, April 2003.
  19. “Transportation Funding’s Future,” State Government News, April 2003.
  1. A Synopsis of a Survey on Issuing Driver’s Licenses in the SLC States, Southern Legislative Conference, Feb. 2003.
  2. “Joining Forces: States Work on Forming Prescription Drug Purchasing Pools to Cut Costs,” Stateline Midwest, March 2003.
  3. “Homeland Security Huddle,” State Government News, Feb. 2003.
  4. “The Smallpox Vaccine and Beyond,” State Government News, Feb. 2003.
  1. Environmental Issue Brief: Changes in Federal Jurisdiction over Wetlands, Eastern Regional Conference, Feb. 2003.
  2. “Education Funding Squeeze,” State Government News, Jan. 2003.
  3. “Homeland Security: Who Pays?” State Government News, Jan. 2003.
2002
  1. Environmental Issue Brief: Federal Rule Changes Governing Industrial Pollution, Eastern Regional Conference, Dec. 2002.
  2. “No Place Like Home: Governments Take Action to Develop Affordable Housing,” State Government News, Oct. 2002.
  3. “Rise in Immigration Brings Questions about Education Cost, Access,” Stateline Midwest, Oct. 2002.
  4. “Despite Some Progress, Officials Call for More Election Reforms,” Stateline Midwest, Oct. 2002.
  5. Federalism Cases in the Most Recent and Upcoming Terms of the United States Supreme Court, Southern Legislative Conference, Oct. 2002.
  7. Finally, The Farm Bill, Southern Legislative Conference, Sept. 2002.
  8. “Where’s the Pork? Expert Tells Midwestern Legislative Conference that Perceptions of New Farm Bill Don’t Match Reality,” Stateline Midwest, Sept. 2002.
  9. “States on Front Lines in Battle to Restore Investor Confidence,” The Nor’Easter, Summer 2002.
  10. Election Reform Recommendations: Final Report of the Midwestern Legislative Conference Elections Task Force, The Council of State Governments Midwest, Aug. 2002.
  11. “Adjusting to New Era: States React to Education Challenges of the No Child Left Behind Act,” Stateline Midwest, Aug. 2002.
  12. “The 2002 Farm Bill,” State Government News, Aug. 2002.
  13. “Licensed By the States: Keeping Driver’s Licenses in the Hands of the States,” State Government News, Aug. 2002.
  14. “State Solutions: Interstate Compacts Remain Powerful Tools for Cooperative States’ Actions,” State Government News, June/July 2002.
  15. “Ridge Approach: A New Trend?” State Government News, June/July 2002.
  16. “Trends and Issues in 2002,” State Government News, June/July 2002.
  1. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001—Leaving the States Behind? Southern Legislative Conference, June 2002.
  2. A Review of Southern States’ No-Call Registries, Southern Legislative Conference, May 2002.
  3. “Congress Considers Election Laws,” State Government News, May 2002.
  4. “Fighting Terrorism at Home,” State Government News, April 2002.
  5. “Banned in the USA,” State Government News, April 2002.
  6. “Education Act in State Hands,” State Government News, March 2002.
  7. “Higher Education: Balancing Quality and Cost,” State Government News, March 2002.
  8. “Budgets in Crisis,” State Government News, March 2002.
  9. “Medicaid Budget Woes: Recession Means States Must Insure More People with Fewer Resources,” Stateline Midwest, March 2002.
  10. Election Policies and Reform in Southern States 2001, Southern Legislative Conference, Jan. 2002.
  11. “The Ties That Bind: The Midwest and Canada Are Partners in More Than Trade,” State Government News, Feb. 2002.
  12. “Bioterrorism: A Threat Without Borders,” State Government News, Feb. 2002.
  13. “Stronger Bonds Across the Southern Border,” State Government News, Feb. 2002.
  14. “New Faces of Development Assistance,” State Government News, Feb. 2002.
2001
  1. “States Ready to Respond: State and Local Coordination Key to Disaster Recovery,” State Government News, Oct. 2001.
  2. “Comprehensive Election Reform Efforts Stall in Many States,” Stateline Midwest, Oct. 2001.
  3. “Have You Spotted These Trends?” State Government News, Sept. 2001.
  4. “Midwestern Governors’ Conference, Other Groups, Address Priorities for Next Farm Bill,” Stateline Midwest, Sept. 2001.
  1. Policy Objectives and Recommendations on the 2002 Farm Bill, Midwestern Governors’ Conference, Aug. 2001.
  2. “More Federal Dollars Sought for Special Education Needs,” Stateline Midwest, Aug. 2001.
  3. “Faith and Federal Dollars,” State Government News, June/July 2001.
  4. “Congress on a Slow Track,” State Government News, June/July 2001.
  5. “Court OKs Official English,” State Government News, June/July 2001.
  6. “Megatrends Shape State Policies,” State Government News, June/July 2001.
  7. “Federal Mandates Persuade States to Consider .08 Legislation,” Stateline Midwest, July 2001.
  8. “States Study Ways to Eliminate Work Disincentives for Disabled,” Stateline Midwest, June 2001.
  9. “Sales-Tax Bill Hits the Mark,” State Government News, May 2001.
  10. “A Look at Current State Tax Issues,” State Government News, May 2001.
  11. “Court Clears the Air: Clean Air, States’ Rights Top Recent U.S. Supreme Court Decisions,” State Government News, April 2001.
  12. “New Rule Targets Workplace Injuries,” State Government News, March 2001.
  13. “Preparing for Hard Times,” State Government News, March 2001.
  14. “Friends in High Places,” State Government News, Feb. 2001.
  15. “Mixing Politics and Prescriptions,” State Government News, Jan. 2001.
  16. “States Ward Off the Cold,” State Government News, Jan. 2001.
  17. “Higher Medicaid Expenditures Cause Budget Crunch,” Stateline Midwest, Jan. 2001.
  18. “Time for a Change? Recent Election Causes Call for Better Voting Machines, Processes,” Stateline Midwest, Jan. 2001.
2000
  1. The War over Water, Southern Legislative Conference, Oct. 2000.
  2. Drawing the Map: Redistricting in the South, Southern Legislative Conference, Aug. 2000.
  3. “A Solution Gone Sour: Gasoline Additive Showing Up in Drinking Water,” State Government News, Aug. 2000.
  4. “Religious Issues and Elections,” State Government News, Aug. 2000.
  5. “A Season of Discontent: Priorities for 2002 Farm Bill,” State Government News, June/July 2000.
  6. “Internet Tax Freedom Costs States,” State Government News, June/July 2000.
  7. “Forces Shaping States,” State Government News, June/July 2000.
  8. “The Big Budget Battle,” State Government News, May 2000.
  9. “Internet Tax-Free Zone?” State Government News, April 2000.
  10. “States Fight Over Rights to Organs,” State Government News, March 2000.
  11. “Ready for E-commerce?” State Government News, March 2000.
  12. “Managing Medicaid Quality and Cost,” State Government News, Feb. 2000.
  13. “Lots to Do in 2000: Congress Faces Tough Budget Battle,” State Government News, Feb. 2000.
  14. “Legislators Join Forces to Impact Federal Farm Policy,” Stateline Midwest, Feb. 2000.
  15. “Electronic Commerce,” State Government News, Jan. 2000.