ABSTRACT
Typically in the United States the several levels of government-fed eral, state, and local-form a complex partnership in developing, imple menting, and funding policies and programs. New policies and programs often begin with legislation that is enacted by the federal government.1 Once legislation is enacted, the relevant federal executive agency distrib utes federal funds for the program generally to the states but, in some cases, directly to local governments. Once a state receives the funds, it may retain funds to implement and/or administer the program or it may divide the funds among local governments that oversee activities in the states’ various counties, cities, and towns. Usually legislation specifies
how much and for what purposes funds can be retained by the state. From the initial consideration of a new program or the reconsideration of an existing program by the federal government, there is much interaction between the federal, state, and local levels. For example, as the Congress debates the merits of one program approach as opposed to another, fed eral legislators may consult with state officials to get their reactions to the idea.
