Experts say coronavirus infections and hospitalizations in Texas — which have set new records in recent days — may have the biggest influence on how fast the state’s economy recovers.
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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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Texas bars and restaurants were eager to reopen. Now some are closing their doors again as coronavirus cases rise.
As employees test positive, some bars and restaurants are closing even though Texas allows them to operate. Many owners are balancing feedback from their staffs, their patrons, state guidelines and local officials.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas to reinstate work-search requirement for unemployment benefits
As COVID-19 continues spreading, the Texas Workforce Commission says out-of-work Texans will have to prove they are searching for work to receive unemployment benefits beginning July 6.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Grappling with budget shortfalls, Texas cities prepare for hard choices
Federal aid through the CARES act is helping, but it likely won’t be enough to fill the holes in cities’ budgets caused by the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Analysis: A reality check for the myth of the Texas miracle
University of Texas/Texas Tribune polling showed the decade-long economic expansion widely lauded by state leaders and by most voters as “the Texas Miracle” has not affected all Texans equally, two of our pollsters write.
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Coronavirus in Texas
When small businesses can’t access PPP, local governments struggle to close the gap
Thousands of small businesses, especially those owned by people of color, have been left behind by the stipulations of the Paycheck Protection Program. In Texas, local governments are lending millions of dollars, and it’s not enough.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texans still face obstacles to collecting unemployment benefits months into the coronavirus pandemic’s economic crisis
Last week, another 106,821 Texans filed for unemployment. Already, the agency has processed more than four typical years’ worth of unemployment claims since mid-March.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas sales tax revenue dips 13.2% in May, the largest year-over-year decline in a decade
“Significant declines in sales tax receipts were evident in all major economic sectors, with the exception of telecommunications services,” Comptroller Glenn Hegar said in a statement.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As Texas businesses reopen, a short-lived coronavirus safety net is dismantled
Evictions and debt collections have resumed, child care subsidies will be discontinued and those who are out of work will again have to prove they are searching for a job in order to receive unemployment benefits.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Coronavirus in Texas: 250,000 Texans with approved unemployment claims have yet to request payment
Live updates: To receive benefits, people who filed for unemployment must request payments every two weeks on an assigned day.