The total number of out-of-work Texans is 1.3 million since mid-March as the state’s economy continues roiling from business closures, a troubled energy sector and corporate layoffs.
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
You might be protected from eviction until Aug. 23. Here’s how to find out.
A new database allows renters to search if their buildings are under a federal eviction moratorium due to COVID-19. But advocates note that even if you aren’t listed, you might still have protections.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott’s task force to reopen the economy is packed with top business leaders — and donors
The task force features some of the most prominent and politically powerful business executives in the state. They’ll advise Abbott with the help of medical experts.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Dan Patrick says “there are more important things than living and that’s saving this country”
Patrick went on Fox News on Monday evening to defend comments he made last month where he said he would rather die from the widely spreading coronavirus than see the economy destroyed for his children and grandchildren.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas oil price plummets into the negatives as the coronavirus pandemic’s economic woes continue battering the state
It’s the lowest price for a barrel of crude since at least the 1980s and another sign, experts say, of rough economic times ahead — especially for Texas’ energy sector.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas utility regulators have programs to prevent shutoffs during the pandemic. But some Texans are falling through the cracks.
Although some counties have moratoriums on disconnections, in most of the state customers need to apply for the benefit.
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Coronavirus in Texas
As economic data lags, Texas reports 4.7% jobless rate for March
The figures predate the widespread business closures and layoffs that occurred in the wake of the pandemic. Analysts estimate the actual rate of jobless Texans is greater than 10%, which could be a record high.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas is running out of money to pay unemployment benefits. People will still get paid, but businesses may see tax hikes as a result.
Texas Workforce Commission officials say the state will run out of money in May or June. Other economists predict that could happen in as soon as three weeks.
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Coronavirus in Texas
More than 1 million people in Texas filed for unemployment relief in the last month
Texas unemployment claims continue to rise as Texans struggle to file. The Texas Workforce Commission is expanding its call centers, servers and staff, but many still face delays.
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Coronavirus in Texas
230,000 Texas families filed for SNAP food assistance in March, twice as many as same month last year
Texas has implemented some changes to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, but it hasn’t relaxed eligibility requirements.