In an era where federal overreach seems to be the norm, the concept of federalism stands as a beacon of hope for many seeking a return to localized power and decision-making. In the latest Giving Ventures episode, Tony Woodlief of the State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism shares insights into how states can reclaim their autonomy from an ever-expanding federal government.
Going beyond American civics and history, Tony dives deep into the practical tools and strategies available to state and local officials aiming to push back against federal encroachment and restore the balance of power envisioned by the framers of the Constitution.
Tony Woodlief is a Senior Fellow at the State Policy Network’s Center for Practical Federalism and author of I, Citizen: A Blueprint for Reclaiming American Self-Governance. His work focuses on empowering state and local governments to reclaim authority and push back against federal overreach.
Tools for Resistance
The State Policy Network (SPN), through its Center for Practical Federalism, is pioneering efforts to empower states to reclaim authority from the federal government. Tony highlights the critical role of providing practical tools for state and local officials. These tools are designed to help officials identify and resist undue federal influence, particularly financial incentives that come with strings attached. Tony stresses the importance of state autonomy, noting that “federal agencies often use guidance to do illegal rule-making that skirts all the usual transparency and scrutiny processes.”
By advocating for a more informed and assertive approach, Tony’s work aims to illuminate the areas where federal agencies are improperly influencing state operations. This involves educating state officials about the nuances of federal guidance and encouraging them to challenge directives that lack statutory authority. Importantly, resisting federal encroachment helps states foster a culture of self-governance where they can make decisions best suited to their unique needs and circumstances.
A Call for State Assertiveness
The Center for Practical Federalism sees encouraging states to scrutinize the federal guidance as key to its mission. Tony explains that many state officials are unaware of the non-binding nature of federal guidance, which can result in unnecessary compliance with directives that drive up costs and limit the autonomy of state legislators. “Every state that wants to get out front of the coming budget tsunami should first go through and understand all the guidance that they have been following,” he advises.
The Center for Practical Federalism is also working to build a network of state and local federalism champions who understand their power to push back against these federal impositions. By fostering collaboration and sharing strategies, SPN aims to create a unified front of states ready to challenge federal oversteps. This proactive stance is crucial for maintaining the balance of power and ensuring that local governments can operate without undue federal interference.
Using Bureaucracy Against Itself
Another innovative approach championed by the Center involves using the rules of bureaucracy against itself. Tony advocates for employing state and local administrative laws to challenge federal regulations, a strategy that can effectively tie up federal overreach in its own red tape. “We can pull them down into [bureaucratic hell] too,” he remarks, highlighting the potential of this approach to make federal agencies miserable with their own administrative burdens.
This method not only empowers states to assert their rights but also encourages them to improve their governance by focusing on competence and efficiency. By challenging federal directives that are not backed by law and utilizing state constitutions that often offer greater protections than the federal Bill of Rights, states can assert their autonomy more effectively. SPN’s efforts are geared towards creating a robust framework where states are not just pushing back against federal overreach but are also setting the stage for a more balanced and cooperative federalism.
