For the past two months, the number of people filing claims in Texas has trended downward. But last week, the number of people who filed for claims increased 7% over the previous week.
COVID-19 Recession in Texas
The coronavirus pandemic has steered the Texas economy into a recession as the state’s unemployment rate remains high and many businesses struggle to survive. Several sources of government and nonprofit aid have either expired or dried up. Economists say the ongoing public health crisis will slow the recovery for individual Texans, business owners and entire industries. For the latest news on this topic, sign up for our weekly economy newsletter and follow energy and economy reporter Mitchell Ferman on Twitter.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas sales tax revenue declined 6.5% versus last June as state reopened for business
While collections from restaurants were depressed, Comptroller Glenn Hegar said that take-out and delivery sales, along with online purchases, helped buoy revenue in the restaurant and retail sectors.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas bar owners file $10 million federal lawsuit against Gov. Greg Abbott, the second suit over the shutdown in two days
The bar owners say in the lawsuit that Abbott’s order violates their constitutional rights and “may very well leave long-term scarring on the Republican form of government if left unchecked.”
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas will delay work-search requirement for unemployment benefits
The Texas Workforce Commission had been planning to reinstate the requirement July 6 but is now holding off due to a rise in coronavirus cases.
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Coronavirus in Texas
More than 30 Texas bars sue over Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent shutdown order
Abbott has said the actions of his executive order “are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and protect public health.”
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Coronavirus in Texas
Did your child get free or reduced-price school lunches? You may be eligible for $285 in food aid.
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission on Monday extended the deadline for applying to July 31.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Sudden shutdown of Texas bars leaves owners, employees (and patrons) uncertain about the future
Bars had to shut down by noon Friday after a statewide surge in coronavirus infections that officials said was largely driven by activities like congregating in close spaces. There’s no immediate plan for when they’ll be able to reopen.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As evictions resume in Texas, unemployed renters have few options
While cities and legal aid agencies are setting up resources for tenants, many judges explained that they won’t be able to consider loss of employment in eviction cases.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Trump’s ban on immigrant workers moves Texas in the wrong direction, business leaders say
Texas-based companies need more immigrant labor, not less, business leaders argue. But that doesn’t mean American workers aren’t needed, too.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texans struggle to find work in the Rio Grande Valley, where unemployment has nearly tripled
The ongoing coronavirus pandemic, limits on cross-border commerce and a downturn in the energy sector have hit the Rio Grande Valley’s economy especially hard.