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Political Terminology - Unfunded Mandates

By Kathy Gill, About.com

Definition: Unfunded Mandate is shorthand for what happens when one branch of government (A) requires that another branch (B) do something that requires resources, but B has to foot the bill. It usually refers to the federal government, but states can do the same to locals.

Because there is no firm definition, the Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations suggests using "federally induced costs" when discussing federal unfundated mandates.
Also Known As: Federally-Induced Costs

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