Unfunded Mandates: NCSL to Provide Detailed Calculation of Cost to U.S. States

3/4/2004

From: Bill Wyatt of the National Conference of State Legislatures, 202-624-8667

News Advisory:

The National Conference of State Legislatures will release the most comprehensive report on the cost-shifts of federally-mandated programs to state governments on March 10, 2004 at 11 a.m. in room 383 of the Hall of States (444 N. Capitol Street NW).

The report creates a baseline identification of federal laws that impose financial obligations on states. It provides an estimate of the annual costs to states of several enduring high- profile federal mandates, cost-shifts and grant conditions.

Utah House Speaker and NCSL President Marty Stephens will present the report at the press conference. He will be joined by other state legislative leaders to be named later.

NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.

WHO: The National Conference of State Legislatures Utah House Speaker Marty Stephens, NCSL president

WHAT: Release of NCSL's Mandate Monitor, the first installment of a periodic report on unfunded mandate conditions.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 10, 2004 11 a.m.

WHERE: Room 383 - 385 Hall of States 444 North Capitol Street, NW Washington, D.C.

BACKGROUND: In 1995, Congress enacted the Unfunded Mandates Relief Act (UMRA) which was intended to curb the trend of shifting costs for federally-mandated programs to states. Although UMRA has been effective at curtailing certain kinds of unfunded mandates, the report will show billions of dollars in other cost-shifts.

NCSL's Mandate Monitor is a report that was used extensively and successfully prior to the enactment of UMRA. It was designed to alert federal and state officials to the potential cost-shifts of proposed federal legislation and regulations. NCSL is reestablishing this periodic publication.