The influence of political factors on the allocation of disaster relief payments

Abstract

There are different models predicting a connection between political variables and the allocation of federal spending. A major focus of this study is the effect of political factors on the distribution of disaster aid payments. Using U.S. state-level data on disaster assistance programs, this research analyzed whether a difference in federal funds flowing to states can be explained by political incentives. Empirical results showed that political factors do matter in explaining that difference.