Albuquerque, N.M. – June XX, 2008 –A new study in Policy Studies Journal reveals that measures of terrorism risk are found to be positive determinants of Homeland Security funding, while measures of political influence and party affiliation of elected officials do not affect distribution of grants.
Tyler Prante of Central Washington University and Alok K. Bohara of the University of New Mexico statistically analyzed the funding pattern of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from 2004 to 2006.
Results indicate that DHS funding outcomes are generally consistent with assessed terrorism risk, in particular with respect to high-risk states. Despite assertions to the contrary, researchers did not identify a positive relationship between party affiliation or congressional influence and funding outcomes.
"Though our results should be taken with appropriate consideration, we find the funding pattern to be inconsistent with the claim of DHS grants being distributed by political and not terrorism risk considerations," the authors conclude.
This study is published in the May 2008 issue of Policy Studies Journal. Media wishing to receive a PDF of this article may contact journalnews@bos.blackwellpublishing.net.
Alok K. Bohara, PhD, is affiliated with the University of New Mexico and can be reached for questions at bohara@unm.edu.
The primary focus of the Policy Studies Journal (PSJ) is the study of public policy. Published on behalf of the Policy Studies Organization, PSJ publishes individually-submitted articles and symposia of exceptional quality by social scientists and other public policy researchers and leaders.
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