The state economy, and the state’s finances, look relatively good. Tax revenue is far higher than the comptroller had predicted. But don’t get too confident — there are some tough decisions ahead.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
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Economy
Despite Two Years of Job Growth, Texas Unemployment Inches Up
Texas may have reached a milestone in July, reporting two straight years of job growth. But the unemployment rate inched up again last month, from 7 percent to 7.2 percent, while economic growth remained relatively consistent.
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Economy
Even in Budget Crunch, Tax-Free Weekend Lives On
Texas may miss out on the $65 million shoppers are expected to save during tax-free weekend, which starts today. But even as the state faces further budget shortfalls, the holiday, created in 1999, still draws bipartisan support.
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Economy
Property Tax Easy to Hate, Tough to Mess With
Property tax bills are big, but they have a couple of political advantages for legislators. For one thing, they don’t take most of the blame over those levies.
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Economy
Additional Tax for Small Tobacco Companies Debated
The state House Ways and Means Committee heard discussion Tuesday on a possible extra tax on small tobacco companies to equalize what the big tobacco companies call a competitive advantage because of pricing.
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Economy
Guest Column: Why Democrats Should Support a Tax Cut
When it makes sense, we shouldn’t act as if we will never consider tax cuts as an economic stimulant. In fact, if Democrats really want to shed our image as the taxing party, there’s a tremendous opportunity staring us in the face.
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Economy
Texas Weekly Newsreel: Guide to Texas Races
This week on the Newsreel, check out our guide to upcoming Texas political races. And, with the runoffs out of the way, lawmakers start talking about the session ahead — and the state budget.
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Economy
State’s Economic Forecast a Mixed Bag
The comptroller’s office announced Friday in its latest financial update that while the state will have more money in its coffers than previously thought, uncertainty about global economic strains could hurt Texas’ two main money makers: energy and exports.
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Economy
Texas Feeling Effects of National Trucker Shortage
Though unemployment remains relatively high nationally, Texas faces a dearth of qualified truckers, spurred by high training costs and what some consider overly strict government regulations. And the state’s economy is feeling the strain.
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Economy
Employment Figures Reflect Little Change in Texas Economy
Texas added 12,900 nonfarming jobs last month, keeping the unemployment rate virtually the same as it was in May, according to statistics released Friday by the Texas Workforce Commission.