Unfunded federal mandates cause a major burden on states that are struggling to provide for its citizens. Two examples of this are special education services and shuttle transit services.
We need to provide for all our citizens including those with disabilities or infirmities. We need to do so in a way that doesn't cripple our infrastructure. There is currently insufficient funding for required Special education programs under IDEA and as a result local schools must redirect funding from general education in order to meet the mandated requirements.
Transit services must provide shuttle services to those with disabilities within a given distance from a transit route. This is an unfunded mandate that causes local transit systems to slash routes in order to balance budgets.
Fund Mandates