“Supplement, Not Supplant” Requirement Leaves States in a Bind
Unintended consequences, they always exist with well-meaning, but poorly thought out plans. The NCLB waivers and the Race to the Top funds are no different. It’s something we have warned about. These new policies that states put in place in order to satisfy the requirements to apply for either the waiver or the funds will place an additional fiscal burden upon the states. In essence, a brand spanking new unfunded Federal mandate! Isn’t that exciting taxpayer?!?!
Rick Hess points out the problem is with the “supplement, not supplant” requirement that accompanies federal money:
One of the most pervasive of these is the “supplement not supplant” requirement, which has generally been interpreted as requiring that federal dollars be spent “on top of” whatever states, districts, and schools were already going to spend when serving the kids in question. It’s generally