State Rather Than Federal Policies Provided the Framework for Managing Block Grants

摘要

Block grants have enabled states to plan and manage programs in accordance with processes used for related services, use established service delivery systems, and carry out other management functions, such as program monitoring and audit using established state procedures. States' prior involvement with many of the categorical programs and related state activities provided an administrative framework for carrying out their new block grant responsibilities. To facilitate better program oversight, the Congress acted in 1984 to strengthen the data collection requirements for several block grants. The Congress also created uniform audit requirements for all federal assistance programs to state and local governments, including block grants through the Single Audit Act. Once properly implemented, this legislation should improve states' ability to cover block grants through broader single audits.