I've decided to focus on focus question #1
1. In what ways have state and local governments changed over the last three decades?
Capitol ideas… local government willingness to try something new, in order to improve functions in our federal government. States & local governments were proactive and came up with experimental procedures, that created interesting/positive results in their local area or state. This has allowed some of the state government to be recognized by the federal government and allow them to have their autonomy back to some extent. Not all states face the same level of capacity. Furthermore, fiscal stress tested the ability of the most capable states to function effectively. State governments have ratified new constitutions or amended existing ones (¾ of the states). There have been many internal adjustments intended to improve the operations of state governments. The bureaucracy itself in local government represents the public (demographically).
States have found a way to improve
their revenue system by finding methods that work for them, like, South
Carolina allows counties the option of providing property-tax relief to
residents in exchange there would be an increase in local sales tax. States
tinker with their revenue-raising schemes. Raising rainy days funds. State
governments have taken new roles to fill in the gap of the national government.
Solutions in local/state government spread rapidly to other states that see the
benefits of adopting that specific policymaking. There has been an increased national-state
conflict with one another, as state and local governments become more capable.
Victor,
ReplyDeleteYour responses are legitimate and valid, but if one asks citizens of the municipality, the agencies, the state, I think you would get a very different, negative response. Although local entities and state agencies do perform well and provide benefits in many areas, I do not see a solid plan on how they do, or how best to communicate their actions.