Essays in State Policy

Abstract

This dissertation consists of three chapters each examining different areas of state policy. Each chapter revolves around an examination of different approaches taken by states in a particular area of policy. The questions answered arise in the contexts of income taxation, environmental regulation, and social insurance. Chapter 1 looks at impacts of a particular policy in one state by comparing that state to select other states. Chapter 2 looks at factors influencing the adoption of a policy by a group of states, and aspects of implementation. Chapter 3 looks at the relationship between variations in a policy applied in all states and differences in related outcomes. Each chapter makes distinct and novel contributions in its respective context.