Good opportunity to embrace federalism

There is a galvanizing opportunity for the incoming administration and Congress. It is well publicized that there will be a focus on cuts to federal spending and the potential elimination of federal departments. By conducting a coordinated effort with state governments to share the vision and approach, there is a great opportunity to embrace federalism.

The reduction of federal spending, with its onerous strings attached (unfunded and underfunded mandates), provides states an opportunity to find a new level for its unique spending and taxing requirements. To alleviate the real concerns about a sudden disappearance in federal funding, I would like to see Congress establish a block grant program to provide no-strings-attached funding direct to states. This funding would compensate for the federal programs being retired. The total costs of the block grants would be less than current federal spending on these initiatives because there would be corresponding reductions in the federal department’s spending.

It does take a mindset change for our citizens that have looked to Washington to solve more of our problems. There are near unanimous complaints about moving things through the federal government. There are also strong disagreements on what the problems are and what the one size fits all solution should be. Politicians get to spend time campaigning on what they want to do to solve our problems while nothing gets done.

Federalism would allow for many social programs to be designed and run in the states. Successful programs would be copied. State citizens could vote and lobby closer to home or vote with their feet. We need to move more decisions and jobs closer to home. Central planning does not work.

The incoming administration and Congress have an opportunity to share a vision of empowerment rather than elimination. I hope they take it.

John Witt

Huntley