Research
My research interests are in the areas of state and local public finance, urban and regional economics, and public choice. The majority of my work has empirically examined issues pertaining to public pensions, rainy day funds, borrowing costs, and tax structures.
Selected publications:
"Political Effects on Pension Underfunding," with Erick M. Elder.
Economics & Politics,forthcoming.
"Revenue Cycles and Risk-Sharing in Local Governments: An Analysis of State Rainy Day Funds," with Erick M. Elder.
National Tax Journal, 66(4), December 2013, 939-960.
"What Happens When Reciprocity Agreements Spill Over?," Jon C. Rork.
Public Finance Review, 40(1), January 2012, 86-115.
"Red Ink in the Rearview Mirror: Local Fiscal Conditions and the Issuance of Traffic Tickets," with Thomas A. Garrett.
Journal of Law and Economics, 52(1), February 2009, 71-90.
"Do Regions Matter in Interjurisdictional Competition? Evidence from State Taxation," with Jon C. Rork.
Economics Letters, 101(2), November 2008, 116-118.
"Revenue Cycles and the Distribution of Shortfalls in U.S. States: Implications for An 'Optimal' Rainy Day Fund," with Erick M. Elder.
National Tax Journal, 60(4), December 2007, 727-742.
"State Budget Stabilization Fund Adoption: Preparing for the Next Recession or Circumventing Fiscal Constraints?," with Russell S. Sobel.
Public Choice, 126(1-2), January 2006, 177-199.
"The Role of Budget Stabilization Funds in Smoothing Government Expenditures Over the Business Cycle," with Erick M. Elder.
Public Finance Review, 33(4), July 2005, 439-465. [Outstanding Paper Award for 2005]
"The Bond Market and Fiscal Institutions: Have Budget Stabilization Funds Reduced State Borrowing Costs," National Tax Journal
, 57(4), December 2004, 785-804.
"Expressive Voting and Government Redistribution: Testing Tullock's Charity of the Uncharitable," with Russell S. Sobel.
Public Choice, 119(1-2), April 2004, 143-159.
"Political Control and Public Sector Savings: Evidence from the States," Public Choice 109(1-2), October 2001, 149-173.