Description: Labor-Public Economics Workshop: Chad Cotti

Location: 368A Heady Hall

Title: "An Evaluation of Unemployment Insurance Work Search Requirements: A Wisconsin Case Study”

 Abstract: As with any insurance scheme, UI benefits create potential incentive problems (e.g., moral hazard) that can lead to longer unemployment durations and higher reservation wages. In 2013, Wisconsin increased weekly work search eligibility requirements with the aim of reducing unemployment durations. This research seeks to evaluate the impact of these changes on labor market outcomes, such as UI usage and unemployment duration. Understanding how and to-what-extent the 2013 change in UI work search requirements achieved their stated goals should help lawmakers develop future policies that are both more efficacious and efficient. 

Contact person: John Winters