Principles for State-Federal Relations

When the federal government creates new programs that are to be administered by states, it is critical that ample funding be provided to implement and meet the goals of these programs.

Governors agree on the importance of strengthening state-issued driver’s licenses (DLs) and identification cards (IDs) to protect the security and integrity of these important documents. The federal Real ID Act, however, places unnecessary and costly burdens on states that will do little to achieve the law’s intended security goals. Governors continue to believe that Real ID and its current regulations should be revised and that the federal government should provide full funding to implement the required changes.

Governors recognize that the foundations of today’s economy and lifestyle and the continued ability of federal, state, and local governments to function is increasingly dependent upon the security and reliability of communications technology and other critical infrastructure (CI) assets. In the past, the threats to our CI were physical in nature. Today, cyber threats possess as great a potential to damage, incapacitate or destroy these essential assets. Our nation’s critical infrastructure must be protected from both physical and cyber attacks.

State and local governments administer thousands of retirement systems that cover millions of employees. These systems hold trillions in assets for the payment of benefits and cover virtually all full-time employees.

States continue to face unprecedented, permanent responsibilities and challenges to provide for the security of all Americans. Although the U.S. Constitution delegates to Congress the power and responsibility to provide for the common defense, homeland security requires coordination between all levels of government. Multifaceted threats can materialize at any time and cross any borders. As a result, strategic intergovernmental preparedness and interagency cooperation at all levels of government are essential to preventing loss of life and major economic damage.

National economic downturns can have a profound effect on the lives of individuals, the growth of businesses and the fiscal condition of state and local governments. Historically, downturns or recessions at the national level have a delayed impact on state and local finances.

The nation's Governors have a strong interest in the structure of the federal tax system.

In 1898, Guam became an unincorporated territory of the United States. At that time, Congress was also given a mandate to address Guam's political status. Today the people of Guam are seeking that political status, as Guam's standing as an unincorporated territory is no longer suitable or appropriate. The people and government of Guam desire the right to exercise full self-government and self-determination.

The National Governors Association urges Congress to enact legislation to provide the people of the Northern Mariana Islands with a delegate in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Achieving and maintaining operable and interoperable public safety communications continues to be a high priority for governors. The ability to share information through voice, video and data communications in real time is critical to providing for the safety and security of Americans and requires strong partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector.

A modern communications infrastructure that provides high-quality, reliable, and affordable communications services is essential to the economic competitiveness of states and the nation.

Medicaid is the nation's largest health care program, providing health and long-term care services to 53 million low-income pregnant women, children, individuals with disabilities, and seniors.

Governors believe that significant reforms of the health care system are necessary, and we appreciate that earlier this year the Administration and Congress approached governors to examine options for such reforms. Governors are prepared to work with our federal partners on a bipartisan approach to develop pragmatic solutions that reduce costs, improve quality and ensure access to affordable health care coverage for all.

In the 21st century, the economic strength of the United States will depend on the ability of each state to compete successfully in the global economy. Today's jobs require workers to have more advanced training and higher levels of education. In order to compete most effectively, state economic development strategies must build a skilled workforce through lifelong learning and worker training.

America’s elementary and secondary education system has evolved over the decades with changing economic pressures, intense globalization, and rising expectations for all students. Despite these changes, however, too many of our nation’s students are unprepared for college or a career.

In today’s competitive global economy, our education system must prepare students to be successful in work, in life, and in an ever and rapidly changing world. Governors support the tenets of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) and are working to implement the law, close the achievement gap, and ultimately, improve achievement among all students.

Governors recognize the importance of ensuring that children have access to meals of high nutritional value. Yet, far too many of America’s children don’t have reliable access to the nutritious food they need to lead healthy, active lives. Hunger is one of the most severe roadblocks to the learning process.

For Americans to stay competitive in the global economy, it will take bold transformation and modernization of our nation’s education and workforce systems and a stronger federal-state partnership.   Every member of the workforce must be given the opportunity to realize their full potential over the course of their careers in order to keep pace with the ever- evolving demand for new skills and knowledge.

The nation’s governors support the development of state comprehensive early education systems that provide high-quality and developmentally appropriate experiences for all children, particularly those most at risk for negative life outcomes.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) is in the midst of transforming our military to better address the needs and demands of the 21st century. In keeping with these goals, a number of bases across the nation are experiencing an enhancement of mission, an increase in training activity and defense operations, and an expansion in troop numbers through programs including Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC), Global Rebasing, “Grow the Force,” and Joint Basing, as well as other force structure changes. This “mission growth” is causing significant and rapid expansion of military personnel and their dependents at a host of military installations across the country.

Governors are committed to ensuring the health and well-being of every child in America. Good nutrition is a fundamental component of healthy physical and mental development in children. Therefore, governors support the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) as the means to ensure that every child receives a nutritious meal at school. Research shows that when a child’s nutritional needs are met, the child is more attentive in class and has better attendance and fewer disciplinary problems. Properly nourished children are more active participants in the education experience, which benefits them, their fellow students, and the entire school community.

The nation's Governors are committed to improving the academic performance of students with disabilities. The last three decades have witnessed a revolution in promoting, protecting, and advancing the education rights of students with disabilities.

Governors recognize the importance of service and community involvement to the states and the nation.

The Great Recession left an indelible mark on our nation’s economy. Nearly nine million jobs were lost - many never to return and millions of Americans remain jobless as the economy recovers. Throughout these unprecedented times, the federal-state employment security system has been a countercyclical economic stabilizer, providing critical, temporary support for unemployed workers and their families and sustaining consumer spending.