Client: Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations; University of Missouri, 2024 –
2028
Study objective: Determine if alternative approaches for delivering Missouri RESEA program services are equally effective in facilitating the exit of claimants from the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program and improving their reemployment outcomes. In particular, the study will examine whether utilizing statewide merit counselors that offer services remotely yields program outcomes that match or surpass those achieved through traditional American Job Center-based counselors.
Policy context: In 2015, DOL instructed states to use their RESEA grants to implement programs that would require new UI claimants to undergo an eligibility review to confirm that they are compliant with state UI work-search requirements and receive services that would help them connect to available jobs. Missouri was among many states that adopted DOL’s recommendations.
Research design: Conduct an RCT impact study that randomly assigns RESEA-eligible UI claimants into three groups: (1) program group A receiving RESEA program with conventional ACJ-based counselors; (2) program group B receiving RESEA program with alternative statewide merit counselors; and (3) control group with no requirements. Use Missouri administrative data to estimate the impacts of the RESEA program on participant UI spells, UI benefit amounts collected, employment rates, and earnings. The study also includes an implementation study that uses information from stakeholder interviews, document reviews, and program observations to examine how Missouri RESEA was implemented and the processes used for delivering services.
Policy impact. The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 authorized the permanent and nationwide implementation of the RESEA program and encouraged states to conduct evaluations to build evidence that meets the CLEAR high or moderate causal evidence rating requirement set by DOL. The current study will produce evidence that meets the CLEAR high causal evidence criteria, thereby contributing to the portfolio of evidence-based practices in this policy area and justifying continued Federal funding for the Missouri RESEA program.