During my Administration, total grants-in-aid to State and local
governments have increased by more than 40 percent, from $68 billion in
Fiscal Year 1977 to $96 billion in Fiscal Year 1981. This significant
increase in aid has allowed States and localities to maintain services that
are essential to their citizens without imposing onerous tax burdens. It
also has allowed us to establish an unprecedented partnership between the
leaders of the Federal government and State and local government elected
officials.