The controversy over mandates has frequently
focused on whether the government that requires certain
actions of local government should fund the
required actions. Often, it is difficult to determine the
costs and administrative burdens of mandates. For
example, if a new state law requires local governments
to install mechanical signs to warn of approaching
trains for all streets that have railroad crossings at
grade, then the question arises as to whether the state
should pay the expenses for these signs. When states
policies and citizen revolts have constrained revenue
sources, mandates impose great pressures on local
government budgets, because they require a greater
number of expenditures.