When economies falter, governors respond similarly, regardless of party
Research by Andrew Philips and colleagues reveals that while Democratic and Republican governors have distinct budgetary priorities during stable economic times, their responses converge during economic shocks. Typically, Democratic governors priorities spending on labor market policies and housing, whereas Republican governors focus more on public safety and transportation. However, when faced with increasing unemployment or decreased personal income, both parties allocate budgets similarly, prioritizing unemployment benefits and job retraining while cutting discretionary spending. Despite partisan divides, economic crises often force governors to prioritize immediate needs over ideological preferences, highlighting the constraints of state budgeting during periods of financial stress.