Public Involvement in Block Grant Decisions: Multiple Opportunities Provided But Interest Groups Have Mixed Reactions to States' Efforts

摘要

Multiple opportunities exist for the public to influence state decisions concerning the use of block grant funds. These public input opportunities were established both in response to federal requirements and the greater discretion available to the states. GAO concludes that the public's opportunity to participate in block grant program decisions has been increased by the availability of more than one forum for public input, such as hearings and opportunities to comment on draft intended use reports. There has also been greater activity among interest groups and more involvement by state elected officials. However, interest groups were split in their assessment of state efforts to solicit their input. Because increased public oversight of state decisions is a key element of the block grant approach, the federal public participation requirements that currently exist also would be beneficial for future block grants. Such requirements, in conjunction with states' own methods, promoted multiple opportunities for public involvement and created settings where different degrees of emphasis were placed on a wide variety of issues.