STATE OF NEW MEXICO, Hon. CLINTON P. ANDERSON, U.S. Senate, DEAR SENATOR ANDERSON: It has come to my attention that HR 338 and S60 are now in committee awaiting action. These deal with the Program Information Act and would be most helpful to the State of New Mexico and the State Planning Office. The updating feature is imperative, and if done by a looseleaf arrangement would avoid reprinting of the entire catalog. The updating may be more feasible if done on a quarterly basis rather than a monthly basis because of the sheer magnitude of this activity. Your support in securing favorable action on these bills would be appreciated. Sincerely, DEAR SENATOR MUSKIE: It is my understanding that the Senate Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations will soon hold hearings on the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1969. In view of those hearings, I would like to take this opportunity to express my support for that measure, which in the House is H.R. 7366 and in the Senate is S. 2479. Enactment of this measure would, I believe, accomplish three much needed reforms: First, consolidation of the federal grant-in-aid programs would significantly simplify the effort involved in obtaining grants from the more than 420 separate federal programs now in operation and now containing their own specific guidelines and standards. Secondly, the reform embodied in this measure would also allow greater use of joint funding from separate governmental departments, thus permitting the development of a far more flexible approach to the funding of proposed programs at the state level. Third, the proposed revision of rules, regulations and financial reporting would simplify the bookkeeping procedures now required in reporting federal grant expenditures. I thank you for the opportunity to express my views on this important piece of legislation. Sincerely, FRANK LICHT, Governor. STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, Raleigh, September 10, 1969. Re: Support for S. 2479, S. 2035, and S. 60. Chairman, Intergovernmental Relations Subcommittee, Senate of the United DEAR SENATOR MUSKIE: I would like to add my voice of support for the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act which I believe would have significant effect in further reforming the grant-in-aid system. Excessive emphasis on narrow programs would be minimized by the passage of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act and the Grant Consolidation Act (S. 2035). The provisions of S. 2479, especially those relating to the processing of applications for interdepartmental demonstration joint projects and the establishment of joint management funds on a departmental basis are needed to reform the present requirements for involved procedures which can be simplified. S. 2035 to assist in the consolidation of Federal assistance programs has our general support. We agree that "consolidation plans" should be prepared for a number of existing programs. Section 1005 of EFFECTIVE DATE APPLICATION PLANS, which provides a 60-day period of time to permit Congress to reject the President's consolidation plan is a desirable safeguard. We agree with the views of Congressman Roth on the inadequacy of present catalogues to describe the programs and benefits for domestic-Federal assistance. Among the points that need to be raised in criticizing the present OEO program catalogue are (1) the lack of up-to-date program descriptions, (2) details about appropriations for prospective programs, (3) amounts appropriated by Congress in the current year, and (4) detailed specifications as to who may apply. We believe OEO should continue to produce the catalogue but with a different format and with a different frequency of publication. The sample program description pages provided by Congressman Roth are exemplary and of a better, more informative nature than the present catalogue pages. We would recommend that a loose leaf catalogue be distributed, and monthly updates of program description and details be provided. While these comments are of a general nature we maintain a continuing interest in the achievement of the broad goals these bills are designed to attain. Yours very truly, G. A. JONES, Jr., ASSEMBLY, CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE, September 11, 1969. Hon. EDMUND S. MUSKIE, Chairman, Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR MUSKIE: The California Legislature has expressed its interest in the amendments offered by yourself and Representative Fountain to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968. In this regard, I am submitting herewith a statement which I respectfully request be made a part of the official hearing record of your subcommittee. I wish to call particular attention to the joint resolution of the California Legislature which I have included as part of my formal statement. The resolution, which was unanimously approved in both houses of the California Legislature, is directed to the eligibility of state legislative bodies to receive grants for demonstration, research and related purposes under present federal grant programs. We believe that such a provision is wholly in accord with the objectives of the Act, and that it will provide important flexibility and innovation in the use of federal grant funds. Due to the complexity of legislation in the field of federal grant-in-aid programs, and on the advice of your subcommittee staff, we have not offered specific amending language to the Act. If it is necessary, however, we will be happy to elaborate on our interests in receiving grant funds to carry out research and studies related to federally assisted programs. Your cooperation in securing appropriate consideration of our proposal for modifications in the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act will be greatly appreciated. You may be assured that we follow with much interest the work of your subcommittee in effecting improvements in intergovernmental processes under our federal system. Sincerely, [Enclosures (2).] BOB MONAGAN, Speaker of the Assembly. [Enclosure 1] STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE BOB MONAGAN, SPEAKER OF THE CALIFORNIA STATE ASSEMBLY, TO SENATE SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS The purpose of this statement is to present my views as Speaker of the California Assembly on matters included in the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, and the amendments to the Act which you now have before you. In making this presentation, I should like to emphasize that improvements in the field of federal-state relations, particularly as the state's role is strengthened in 34-851-69-17 the process, is a matter of considerable bipartisan agreement in California. I am confident, therefore, that my remarks are in general accord with the views of a large number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in the California Legislature. First, I should like to go on the record in active support of the goals of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. We see the Act as a serious move by Congress to take account of the changes which are occurring in the statehouses across the nation. The provisions of the Act reflect a renewed confidence in the ability of the states to deal effectively with many pressing public problems which currently beset our nation and its people. It is encouraging to note the shift away from enlargement of the federal role in detailed administration of public programs at the state level. In the past, an opposing trend has thwarted the states from developing their unique capacity, within our federal system, to innovate and to serve as testing grounds for new approaches to public problems. I should like to urge your continued attention to the simplification and consolidation of federal grant programs. It is estimated that my own state participates in over 400 federal aid programs, administered by a multiplicity of federal agencies and distributed to state and local governments by means of a complex and often bewildering variety of allocation factors. We welcome, also your efforts to assure that the design and execution of federal construction and other direct programs is consistent with state plans and policies. You may be assured that efforts such as these will be met by a meaningful response at the state level. I would be less than frank if I did not concede that in some very important policy areas, the states have not been sufficiently creative or aggressive. On the whole, we have yet to adopt any meaningful policy on urban problems and we have yet to bring the full force of our programs and expertise to their solution. In this, as in other critical areas, we are going to have to put our own house in order. However, we have gone through a recent period of critical self-appraisal, and I believe we are making honest efforts to correct our shortcomings. I am sure you are familiar with developments within your own state legislatures. However, reapportionment, constitutional revisions, higher legislative salaries, longer annual sessions, and professional staffs are among recent actions which have served to enhance the ability of state legislatures to direct themselves to fundamental policy issues. This brings me to a specific proposal which is the subject of a resolution which received unanimous approval in both houses of the California Legislature earlier this week. The resolution, which I wish to make a formal part of this statement, memorializes Congress and the President to amend the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act to provide that state legislatures may receive financial assistance for research, demonstration and feasibility purposes under existing federal grant-in-aid programs. We believe the California Legislature has demonstrated its ability to act creatively on a number of pressing issues where the response at the federal level, or alternatively, at the administrative level within state government, has not been adequate. In instances where state line agencies have often been constrained by narrow professional or specialized interests, the legislature has been able to mount an effective, multidisciplinary approach to the solution of specific state problems. For example, the recent grant by the U.S. Department of Transportation to the California Legislature for development and testing of a steam-powered bus, was the first such grant ever awarded for independent state legislative action. We have also directed serious attention to regional planning and programming, both of which, of course, are significant in the implementation of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act. Here, again, is an area where an independent legislative effort might well be supported with federal grant assistance. It is my belief that the availability of federal financial assistance to state legislatures will be a significant stimulant to this type of initiative. For the most part, overtures by California legislators and their staffs have been received by federal agencies in a spirit of cooperation and assistance. It appears, however, that clarification of the intent of Congress with respect to the eligibility of state legislative bodies to participate in federal grant programs would be welcomed at both levels. Therefore, I respectfully request that your committee consider the merits of our proposal. I would also like to take this opportunity to affirm our general acceptance of the policy of relating federal grants to the preparation and adoption of state plans. Most state leaders will agree, I am sure, that we can't expect a blank check, and that, in any event, we have got to intelligently assess our own problems and develop the policy framework and specific actions to solve them. If the job is done properly, federal oversight can appropriately focus on basic policies and accomplishments, rather than on detailed administrative practices. As a further step in improving federal grant procedures, I would urge that you attempt to lengthen to the maximum degree possible, the lead time of changes in the funding and other aspects of the federal grant programs. A large part of our state budget, including commitments to local units of government, is predicated upon anticipated levels of financial support and the continuation of basic policies in federal grant programs. Unexpected changes can have serious consequences at the state level. I must say, however, that the procedures which now call for early review of program changes by the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations which, of course, includes state interests, have at least partially alleviated the situation. Finally, I would like to make a strong plea for recognition of the role of the state in coordination and integration of federal, state and local programs. The state is in a logical position to exercise responsibility in this regard, and to the extent that it is bypassed in direct contacts with local units, signficant opportunities are lost. I thank you for extending to me the privilege of presenting this statement. Again, I would like to reaffirm our support of your efforts to inject much-needed consistency into the federal grant-in-aid process. [Enclosure 2] CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE-1969 REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 66 Introduced by Assemblyman Monagan Referred to Committee on Rules Assembly Joint Resolution No. 66—Relative to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968. WHEREAS, In enacting the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, (P.L. 90-577), the Congress of the United States has declared its intent to achieve the fullest cooperation and coordination of activities among the levels of government in order to improve the operation of our federal sysetm in an increasingly complex society; and WHEREAS, The California Legislature concurs in and supports this objective; and WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States is presently considering amendments to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, including certain provisions designed to improve the system of grants-in-aid to the states; and WHEREAS, Within the federal system the states have unique capabilities in terms of innovating and serving as a testing ground for possible solutions to critical public problems; and WHEREAS, The California Legislature has demonstrated its willingness and ability to take the initiative in seeking new approaches to problems such as air pollution, crime prevention, transportation, education and other pressing problems; and WHEREAS, Such efforts on the part of state legislatures will advance the objectives of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 and therefore merit endorsement and support at the federal level, including the provision of financial assistance; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly and Senate of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature of the State of California respectfully memorializes the President and the Congress of the United States to enact amendments to the Intergovern mental Cooperation Act of 1968 to permit state legislatures to receive funds for research, demonstration and feasibility purposes under existing federal grantin-aid programs; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the President and Vice President of the United States, to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, and to each Senator and Representative from California in the Congress of the United States. Legislative Counsel's Digest AJR 66, as introduced, Monagan (Rls.). Intergovernmental cooperation. Memorializes the Congress of the United States to enact amendments to Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968 to permit state legislatures to receive funds for research, demonstration and feasibility purposes under existing federal grant-in-aid programs. Sen. Fin.-No; W. & M.-No. ASSEMBLY, CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE, Hon. EDMUND S. MUSKIE, Chairman, Senate Subcommittee on Intergovernmental Relations, Old Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. DEAR SENATOR MUSKIE: I have been directed to invite your attention to Assembly Joint Resolution No. 66, relative to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, which has been adopted by the California Legislature. Accordingly, I am enclosing a copy of this resolution for your information. Sincerely yours, [Enclosure.] JAMES D. DRISCOLL, Assembly Joint Resolution No. 66 Adopted in Assembly September 9, 1969. Chief Clerk of the Assembly. Adopted in Senate September 10, 1969. Secretary of the Senate. of This resolution was received by the Secretary of State this day Assistant Secretary of State. RESOLUTION CHAPTER ASSEMBLY JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 66-RELATIVE TO THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION ACT OF 1968 WHEREAS, In enacting the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, (P.L. 90-577), the Congress of the United States has declared its intent to achieve the fullest cooperation and coordination of activities among the levels of government in order to improve the operation of our federal system in an increasingly complex society; and WHEREAS, The California Legislature concurs in and supports this objective; and WHEREAS, The Congress of the United States is presently considering amendments to the Intergovernmental Cooperation Act of 1968, including certain provisions designed to improve the system of grants-in-aid to the states; and WHEREAS, Within the federal system the states have unique capabilities in terms of innovating and serving as a testing ground for possible solutions to critical public problems; and WHEREAS, The California Legislature has demonstrated its willingness and ability to take the initiative in seeking new approaches to problems such as air pollution, crime prevention, transportation, education and other pressing problems; and |