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.
The total number of out-of-work Texans is 1.3 million since mid-March as the state's economy continues roiling from business closures, a troubled energy sector and corporate layoffs. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0f3801094a0784dda0013af868157748/Eagle%20Ford%20Oil%20Patch%20JV%20TT%2030.jpg)
A new database allows renters to search if their buildings are under a federal eviction moratorium due to COVID-19. But advocates note that even if you aren't listed, you might still have protections. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/ddf1669c687d73af6313cc5491578a35/ATX%20Apartments%20MG%20TT%2002.jpg)
The task force features some of the most prominent and politically powerful business executives in the state. They'll advise Abbott with the help of medical experts. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/df4038a1651a0097fd3a55872c7f2e91/San%20Marcos%20COVID%20File%20EG%20TT%2035.jpg)
Patrick went on Fox News on Monday evening to defend comments he made last month where he said he would rather die from the widely spreading coronavirus than see the economy destroyed for his children and grandchildren. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/704faf4b3a4113eb8f3c4983c1ea717a/.BadPatrickPhoto)
It's the lowest price for a barrel of crude since at least the 1980s and another sign, experts say, of rough economic times ahead — especially for Texas' energy sector. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/f3875bd9fb376e6384f11f7dff5a5b6d/Odessa%20Oil%20Pump%20Field%20BP%20TT%2004.jpg)
Although some counties have moratoriums on disconnections, in most of the state customers need to apply for the benefit. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/bc59a045a1b3684e7aef7dcf6303ea05/Carly%20Eaves%20MF%20TT%2001.jpg)
The figures predate the widespread business closures and layoffs that occurred in the wake of the pandemic. Analysts estimate the actual rate of jobless Texans is greater than 10%, which could be a record high. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/8385bb613b18d5d2a772d61b7eddb720/Food%20Bank%20LBJ%20ATX%20MG%20TT%2005.jpg)
Texas Workforce Commission officials say the state will run out of money in May or June. Other economists predict that could happen in as soon as three weeks. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/0b9158e22297f58df4322300b2ee0b0d/San%20Marcos%20COVID%20File%20EG%20TT%2016.jpg)
Texas unemployment claims continue to rise as Texans struggle to file. The Texas Workforce Commission is expanding its call centers, servers and staff, but many still face delays. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/4ab6c3fcffe10d4e3d443acf7267d554/San%20Marcos%20COVID%20File%20EG%20TT%2040.jpg)
Texas has implemented some changes to help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients, but it hasn't relaxed eligibility requirements. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/82c29fb09fff896077fccf33af927bb2/SNAP%20CR%20TT.jpg)
The numbers are early — but incomplete — indicators of how dramatically and suddenly the state's economy has collapsed under social distancing orders officials issued to curb the still growing public health crisis spurred by the novel coronavirus. Full Story
/https://static.texastribune.org/media/files/57a9f7eeae13d6ed1ecbc7a637a415f7/Austin%20COVID%20Quarantine%20JV%20TT%2006.jpg)