Jessica Tyson, an out-of-work hairdresser in Texarkana, says Congress cannot delay passing a second stimulus package. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
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.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Federal loans helped more than 400,000 Texas companies retain workers during the pandemic, new data shows
Despite details released from the Paycheck Protection Program this week, a full snapshot of the program remains unclear.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
She lost work to the pandemic. Now she helps thousands of jobless Texans maneuver through the state’s unemployment system.
While struggling to figure out the state’s unemployment system, Alia Kirschner found a Facebook group for thousands of jobless Texans. Now she spends hours a day online, helping others with their benefit claims during the COVID-19 recession.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Despite staggering pandemic losses, Texas budget forecast better than expected, state comptroller says
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar didn’t provide details as he told lawmakers Monday that the financial forecast isn’t as dire as earlier feared. But he said revenues are still down “significantly” compared with last year.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas shut down bars to slow the spread of coronavirus — but allowed thousands to open through a restaurant loophole
As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations balloon, public health experts and local officials worry the loopholes are one reason behind the recent rise.
Posted in
COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Texas Republicans highlight energy issues as a closing argument of campaign
Texas’ oil and gas industry has had a horrible year. As the recession persists and Election Day nears, Republicans have latched on to Donald Trump and Joe Biden’s debate exchange about the energy sector and the environment.
Posted in
Texas 2020 Elections
Donald Trump and Joe Biden sparred over Texas’ energy industry and global warming during final presidential debate
In debating a major Texas industry, Trump emphasized economic priorities while Biden advocated for alternate means of energy besides oil and gas.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texas unemployment rate rises to 8.3% in September, seven months into economic recession
After a summer of declining unemployment rates following Gov. Greg Abbott’s widespread business reopenings during the pandemic, the state’s unemployment rate jumped to 8.3% in September.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
Texans with criminal records face increasingly limited housing options. Homeless advocates say a new rule could leave them with even fewer choices.
The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs is proposing that people with certain criminal convictions be temporarily or permanently blocked from living in tax-supported developments that provide support services.
Posted in
Coronavirus in Texas
As Texas asks her to repay unemployment aid, a Dallas County instructor faces confusing appeals process to fight back
The Texas Workforce Commission is trying to recoup $214 million in unemployment benefits it says people were overpaid this year. A North Texas woman says appealing the agency’s findings is an uphill battle through an opaque appeals process.