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block grant
noun
: an unrestricted grant made by the U.S. federal government to state and local governments to be used at their discretion to pay especially for social services that were formerly paid for through specific federal programs
Examples of block grant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The same order also directed the Department of Health and Human Services to issue guidance on how states can use block grant funds for children and families on educational alternatives, including private and faith-based options.
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Naomi Lim, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 1 Feb. 2025
The ranges depended on factors like the discretionary block grant and funding for transitional kindergarten.
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Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Feb. 2025
One proposal causing concern among some NIH supporters would give at least some of the NIH budget directly to states through block grants, bypassing the agency's intensive peer-review system.
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Rob Stein, NPR, 26 Nov. 2024
What To Know In addition to these work requirements, Republicans are looking to transition Medicaid to a block grant system, which would provide federal funds for specific programs and shift financial responsibility to the states.
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John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
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Word History
First Known Use
1966, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near block grant
Cite this Entry
“Block grant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/block%20grant. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
Legal Definition
block grant
noun
: an unrestricted federal grant
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for block grant
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