Final answer:
Agencies must use specific appropriations for particular items even if they have a general appropriation for the same purpose. The specific appropriation usually has more detailed conditions guiding its use to align with legislative intent and policy objectives.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an agency has a specific appropriation for a particular item and also a general appropriation broad enough to cover the same item, the agency is generally required to use the specific appropriation. This principle is based on the assumption that the specific appropriation reflects a more deliberate and precise allocation of funds by the legislature or other authorizing body for that purpose. Specific appropriations tend to come with more detailed conditions or requirements for use, while general appropriations provide more flexibility. However, agencies must adhere to the intended use as defined by the appropriation's guidelines to ensure proper financial oversight and alignment with policy objectives.
The federal budget allocates funds for numerous services and programs, and the taxes collected by the federal government finance these expenditures. State and local governments benefit from federal spending in forms such as categorical grants, block grants, and the now-defunct general revenue sharing. Categorical grants like Medicaid have strict conditions, whereas block grants, such as the Workforce Investment Act program, offer states and local agencies more discretion in using the funds.