Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This study assesses whether political variables affect levels of unemployment insurance coverage rates over time and between states. Our main hypotheses look at racial threat theory, political ideology, and political partisanship. Random-effects estimates based on 1550 state-years indicate that states that have higher rates of minorities have lower rates of unemployment insurance coverage, although the relationship diminishes with time. Also, citizen ideology is found to play a significant role, as states with higher rates of liberals have higher rates of unemployment insurance coverage. Partisanship does as well, as states with Republican governors have lower rates of unemployment insurance coverage than states with Democratic governors. Additional findings demonstrate that union strength and unemployment rates play significant roles.