The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) has released its annual Cyberstates report, providing a detailed look at trends in technology employment. It’s a great way to check how Texas is faring relative to other states in a key component of future growth. CompTIA uses a measure of technology employment that includes technology workers across the entire economy. By this measure, the US total reached an estimated […]
Author: Dr. M. Ray Perryman
What would be the economic impact of Texas extending health coverage to low income families?
What would the benefit be to Texans if lawmakers expanded health coverage to low income families in Texas, as 36 other states have?
How did layoffs in the first quarter this year compare with last year’s numbers? What does this tell us about the economy?
The number of layoffs in the first quarter was up quite a bit from the same period a year ago. Dr. Perryman says it’s further evidence of economic slowdown.
Crazy Crude
The growth in crude oil production has been simply crazy. Total production in the Permian Basin rose from levels below one million barrels per day in April 2011 to more than two million July 2016 to three in February 2018 to four less than a year later. Production levels are projected to double yet again in the next few years. Total Texas oil production has […]
How would the US imposing tariffs on goods from Europe impact each party and the economy as a whole?
Subsidies given to European aircraft maker Airbus is causing tensions between the US and EU with President Trump threatening tariffs to even the score.
Why did the EU extend the Brexit deadline, and what should the UK do between now and then?
The EU has extended the UK’s Brexit deadline until October 31.
What is the global forecast for growth, and which countries are seeing the highest growth rates?
The International Monetary Fund reduced its global forecast for growth to 3.2% from 3.5%.
What is a potential solution for property tax reform, and would it work to swap sales tax for property tax?
As lawmakers in Austin continue to debate property tax reform, there is a proposal to give communities the right to swap some sales tax for property tax.
Return on Texas Taxes
Texas has one of the best rates of return on taxpayer investments of all states, according to an analysis by WalletHub. The Lone Star State ranked seventh in this measure of the services received compared to taxes paid. In other words, despite all the criticism, Texans tend to get a lot of bang for their buck. Before we get too excited, however, there’s more to the […]
What is the consumer sentiment index, and what other factors contribute to consumer spending?
The University of Michigan consumer sentiment index has reached new and impressive highs. Dr. Perryman tells us consumers are a big part of the economy.