Private Support for Public Disaster Aid

Despite its growing economic and political importance, this is the first study in economics to investigate public opinion United States regarding both allocation of government disaster aid stricken households communities as well total expenditures by on such aid. This also bridge a gap previous research disasters comparing contrasting our results related behavioral studies from science, social psychology sociology. Combining individual data 2006 General Social Survey with county-level information about local environment survey respondents, we estimate probit models ascertain magnitude significance socioeconomic, demographic, experiential determinants these issues. Among other results, find that Black respondents strongly support increasing affected while income, age conservative ideology largely exert negative influence same variables. Surprisingly, effects prior experience educational level have only weak effect none These are consistent portion findings disciplines. Several implications for current federal policy discussed suggest directions further into important topic.