Expanding the role of advanced practice nurses in the next legislative session would add nearly 100,000 permanent jobs to the current Texas economy, according to a new report by economist Ray Perryman.
Economy
Get the latest on jobs, business, growth, and policy shaping the state’s economy with in-depth reporting from The Texas Tribune.
Updated Interactive: Texas Budget Cuts Shrink State Government
With the state government tightening its belt, there are now 10,200 fewer state government employees, according to our latest analysis of data collected by the state auditor’s office.
Something for Everyone
Democrats see the governor as wounded and unpopular, and the more he becomes an issue in the 2012 elections, the happier they are. He has become their favorite whipping post and fundraising foil.
Conflicting Definitions of Homelessness Complicate Aid Eligibility
As Nathan Bernier of KUT News reports, most of the Texas students identified as homeless by their school districts are ineligible for federal aid because of mixed definitions of what it means to be homeless.
Amazon, State Settle Sales Tax Fight
Amazon.com will start collecting sales taxes from Texas customers and invest $200 million and create 2,500 jobs in the state over the next four years. In return, the state will drop its efforts to collect back taxes from the company.
Taking a Bite Out of Crime Victim Funds
Lawmakers used money from the Crime Victims Compensation Fund to balance their budget, and now the fund is short of money.
Commercial Benefits of University Research Touted at Hearing
Two House committees held a joint hearing today to explore how scientific research at universities can be commercialized for the benefit of businesses and the state economy. They heard testimony from the state’s leading research universities.
Amazon, Comptroller Negotiating Sales Tax Deal
Amazon.com and the state are working on a deal to get the online retailer to pay sales tax and create jobs in Texas, reviving talks that fell apart at the end of last year’s legislative session.
Texas Economy Adds 10,900 Jobs in March
There’s another positive report on the Texas economy: 10,900 jobs were added in March, and the unemployment rate dropped to 7 percent from 8 percent last year, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.
The Weekly TribCast: Episode 128
Ben, Evan, Ross and Emily talk about races to watch in the fast-approaching primary, Gov. Rick Perry’s budget compact announcement and the Planned Parenthood merger. And Evan hears from some special birthday guests.


