Herb Kohl: “This amendment clarifies a possible problem in the bill that we are creating or will be creating a disincentive for…”

“This amendment clarifies a possible problem in the bill that we are creating or will be creating a disincentive for States to take action. Some States may well decide to delay action on necessary and important measures in the hope that Congress passes a Federal law to do the same thing that they are considering doing and then provide some money to do it which otherwise would not be available. This amendment will ensure that States are not ineligible to receive funds if they are already meeting a Federal mandate under existing State law. I think it is important that we not provide clear disincentives to States to do things environmental or with regard to health care or welfare reform or in any way. Should we be giving the States a message that we want them to just sit around and not do anything if they anticipate that down the road a Federal mandate may be passed that would provided the money for them to do it? It seems to me that is not what we are trying to accomplish here with this bill.”