Show Us The Money
Column Published in syndication April 07, 2021Even before the pandemic, Texas schools faced daunting challenges. About 88% of students were economically disadvantaged. Two ethnic groups that comprised about two-thirds of enrollment (and rapidly growing) held less than 8% of the state's wealth. Many districts had massive infrastructure deficiencies, while others struggled to keep pace with explosive growth. As if that weren't enough, Texas ranked 41st nationally in spending per student.
The Potential Economic Impact of Legislation Restricting Voter Access on Business Activity in Texas
Brief Published on April 09, 2021Laws which restrict voter access can have substantial negative economic consequences due to lost earnings and related reductions in consumer spending. In addition, irrespective of their stated purpose, controversial laws can also lead to reductions in travel and tourism and economic development.
- Tags:
- election,
- government,
- Texas,
- vote,
- voting
A Milestone
Column Published in syndication March 31, 2021Initial claims for state unemployment benefits in the US fell to 684,000 in late March for the first time in a year. Believe it or not, that's important. "Initial claims" sounds like something only an economist could love (and a nerdy one at that). This weekly statistic represents the first filing for unemployment for a specific claim--basically layoffs or jobs that have recently been eliminated. We normally don't pay much attention to it, but it got more headlines during the pandemic as a weekly barometer for how the economy was faring.
- Tags:
- joblessness,
- unemployment
Why did Texas lose jobs during February?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on March 29, 2021Dr. Perryman breaks down the factors that led to this somewhat surprising data point and what it means going forward.
- Tags:
- job losses,
- storm,
- Texas
A Year Later
Column Published in syndication March 24, 2021It's now been a year since COVID-19 began to upend the lives of people around the world. The human cost has been tragic, and measures needed to slow the spread of the virus have also taken a toll on mental health and wellbeing. From an economic perspective, the pandemic has caused substantial and, in many cases, catastrophic losses.
- Tags:
- coronavirus,
- COVID-19,
- Texas
What milestone has the country recently passed in terms of unemployment numbers?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on March 26, 2021Dr. Perryman describes the meaning of first-time unemployment claims dropping into numbers we have seen before and how that represents economic recovery from the pandemic.
- Tags:
- coronavirus,
- COVID-19,
- unemployment
What is happening with bank lending?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on March 25, 2021Dr. Perryman explains the current status of bank credit and what it means for the economy.
What will be the impact of the federal infrastructure bill?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on March 24, 2021Dr. Perryman explains why it is important and the political factors that play into how this bill will go into effect.
- Tags:
- Biden,
- infrastructure
What can we learn from looking back at the Covid‑19 pandemic a year after it started?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on March 23, 2021Dr. Perryman highlights some key impacts that have come from the virus.
- Tags:
- coronavirus,
- COVID-19
How will President Biden's tax plan affect the economy?
Radio Spot Broadcast via Texas State Networks on March 22, 2021Dr. Perryman assesses the trade-off in short and long-term economic activity that accompanies an increase in taxes.