I am not a big fan of Federal Government agencies getting involved in judging the performance of state run agencies on pretty much all levels, but today I may have found an example of which I approve.

On Friday, January 17th, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted a proposal to the Federal Register requesting approval to evaluate local and state food safety programs (FSPs). The rationale for this request focuses on the tight budgeting our current economic environment has imposed on state and local agencies, resulting in the reduction or elimination of many food safety and public health programs over the past several years. The information generated will give a good look at current food safety activities, workforce competency and the relationship between funding and program effectiveness. It would be conducted over a two year period. 

I think this is a good, common sense idea.