Texas business owners and unemployed residents feel like federal leaders of both parties are playing political games with their financial lives in the middle of a damaging recession.
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
Gov. Greg Abbott says bars can reopen next week at 50% capacity if counties opt in
“It is time to open them up,” Abbott said in a Facebook video announcing the move. “If we continue to contain COVID, then these openings, just like other businesses, should be able to expand in the near future.”
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas tenants are still struggling to stop evictions a month after federal moratorium was announced
Since Sept. 17, court citations include information on how to apply for protections. But some eviction cases had already begun. And the moratorium will only delay proceedings for some renters.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Donald Trump says stimulus relief negotiations over until after election
A day after his release from the hospital, the president instructed the treasury secretary to stop negotiating with the House speaker.
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Coronavirus in Texas
September sales tax revenue in Texas down 6.1% from a year ago
“The COVID-19 pandemic and low price of crude oil continue to weigh on the Texas economy and sales tax revenue,” Comptroller Glenn Hegar said.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Out of savings and without enough money for food, this North Texas woman is running out of options
Carrie Mansfield says that while more relief from the government would be welcome, she really just wants to get back to work. Listen in the weekend edition of The Brief podcast.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas will spend $171 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to help renters avoid evictions
The new program will provide rental assistance and legal aid for tenants who are behind on rent. Details on how Texans could apply or qualify weren’t immediately released.
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Coronavirus in Texas
TribCast: How Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s death will affect Texas
On this week’s Tribcast, Matthew talks with Ross, Emma and Alex about the U.S. Supreme Court vacancy, Gov. Greg Abbott’s latest reopening announcement and voter registration in Texas.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas bars and distilleries rip Gov. Greg Abbott for leaving them out of “unacceptable” reopening plan
While restaurants are allowed to expand to 75% capacity, those in the bar industry worry prolonged shutdowns could lead to 30% of its businesses closing within six months.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Texas courts must start telling tenants how a federal eviction moratorium can keep them housed
The Texas Supreme Court ordered that eviction citations will have to inform renters about the moratorium requirements and include the form needed to apply for protection.