Gov. Greg Abbott opted Texans out of all additional federal unemployment aid starting June 26. But finding a job hasn’t been easy for everyone.
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
Business leaders on Texas-Mexico border say state politicians ignore community needs while calling for a wall
Many local officials and business leaders along the border say that the rhetoric is misplaced and that the broader needs of their communities can often get lost.
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The 2021 Texas Tribune Festival
T-Squared: Tickets for the 2021 Texas Tribune Festival are on sale now
As we emerge from the pandemic, our signature annual ideas conference will be a best-of-both-worlds convening. Some of our programming will be virtual. Some of it will be in person. All of it will be awesome.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Gov. Greg Abbott said Texas lawmakers would prioritize workers in 2021. But advocates say the working class was largely left behind.
After Texas workers were praised during the pandemic, many thought lawmakers would increase protections or benefits. But advocacy groups say they spent a lot of time playing defense on bills that could hurt workers.
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A Year of COVID-19
Fear of coronavirus will no longer be acceptable reason for Texans on unemployment to turn down job offers
The state’s unemployment agency is ending that exemption June 26, when out-of-work Texans will also stop receiving an extra $300 in federal jobless benefits.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Everyday Texans overlooked in state lawmakers’ response to power outages during winter storm
While lawmakers took significant steps toward preventing another blackout, hardly any of the proposals passed during this legislative session will aid consumers in recovering from the February storm — but they’ll see higher utility bills.
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Coronavirus in Texas
Effort to curb governor’s pandemic emergency powers falls short at Texas Legislature
The proposal’s low bill number signaled it was a priority of new House Speaker Dade Phelan, a Beaumont Republican who referred to the legislation as “the House’s blueprint for pandemic response.”
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Coronavirus in Texas
Without child care, Texas’ unemployed mothers are struggling to reenter the workforce as federal benefits cease
Many Texas mothers are ready to return to work, but a lack of child care is keeping them at home. Alicia Reed worries how she will provide for her four children after her federal unemployment benefits are cut at the end of June.
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Texas Legislature 2021
Texas Legislature close to approving billions to pay for winter storm financial fallout
Several billions of dollars in state-approved financing will be necessary to stabilize the state’s distressed energy market after the winter storm. Texas approves more in finance bailouts for its utilities than any other state.
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COVID-19 Recession in Texas
Jobless Texans say Gov. Greg Abbott’s decision to end federal unemployment benefits will worsen their already dire situations
Jobless Texans say they’re desperate to return to work, but they haven’t had any luck when applying to multiple jobs every month. For some, one month isn’t enough time to apply for and find a job.