UNFUNDED MANDATES CONTINUE TO BURDEN

The federal government loves programs -- lots of programs. It just doesn't like to pay for them. All too often state governments are left holding the bag for millions upon billions of dollars in unfunded federal mandates.

Years ago, the mandates were tied to dollars. For example, federal revenue sharing allowed counties to accomplish many infrastructure and other improvements. But as the federal deficit increased, the states began carrying more and more of the financial burden.

A number of these programs may have good aims. But it galls city, county and state officials that they have no say-so in the matter. They must comply and pay the bill -- or else. The stick typically rendered by the feds includes freezing or pulling all federal funds, something states cannot afford.

Ultimately, these unfunded mandates cost everyone. In the last three years alone, these mandates have cost each Missouri resident -- infant to aged -- about $219.25. Statewide, that adds up to nearly $820 million.

But that's not all.

Cities and municipalities haven't escaped the dictates of the federal government. Sixty of the state's largest cities spent an additional $307 million, and counties spent millions more.

And that's just Missouri. The total price tag of these programs is staggering.

For more than two decades, the nation's governors have pleaded for an end to unfunded mandates. But instead of relief, the number of unfunded programs has simply grown. And it's not just new programs. Congress has relied on these mandates to fun expansions of many existing federal programs, especially for human services and health care.

Compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act has been particularly expensive for many smaller cities and counties along with significant changes in Medicaid coverage and payments. The Child Support Enforcement Act has also proved expensive along with mandated education programs through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and the Department of Higher Education. For many Missouri cities, the most expensive unfunded mandate has come from participation in the Federal Clean Water Act.

Clean water, accessibility, help for the poor -- many of these programs would be accomplished by cities and states without strings from Uncle Sam.

But in this country, people rightly expect representation in their taxation. These costly, heavy-handed ultimatums from Washington only fuel the fires of states' rights and term limits.