The Importance of Russian Trade and Investment Activity to the Texas Economy
Brief Published on April 27, 2022The recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia is generating questions regarding how important Russia is to the Texas economy, particularly as policies restricting trade and investment interactions are implemented or contemplated. While no area can escape the near-term disruptive effects related to the supply chain and inflation, the specific effects on business activity within the state are relatively minor. The Perryman Group recently analyzed patterns in Texas-Russia trade and investment to assess the extent of the linkages and related economic effects.
The Economic Costs of the Recent Border Delays
Brief Published on April 20, 2022Every day, thousands of trucks cross the Texas-Mexico border, bringing a variety of goods ranging from fruits and vegetables to electronic equipment. Cross-border supply chains are common, and manufacturing facilities on both sides of the border depend on the efficient flow of products across the border. The recent slowdowns due to additional inspections disrupted these patterns, resulting in not only spoilage of perishable items, but also production delays. Given the strained capacity at the border in normal times, it will be difficult and, in many instances, impossible to “catch up.”
- Tags:
- border,
- impact analysis,
- Texas,
- US-Mexico border
Blast Off!: Texas Surges Ahead in the New Space Race
Brief Published on February 17, 2022As space travel became a realistic possibility, a “space race” developed, with the United States pitted against Russia to be the first to achieve milestones such as orbiting the earth and landing on the moon. Americans were glued to television screens in July 1969 as Neil Armstrong became the first human to step on the moon, and every previous and subsequent milestone has been the subject of intense interest among people in all walks of life. Texas was an integral part of this phenomenon and it left an indelible imprint on the culture and personality of the state.
The Economic Effects of Family Caregivers
Brief Published on October 15, 2021Throughout human history, societies have relied upon family members to care for and support those with specific needs. For much of that time, virtually all assistance to the elderly was provided in that manner. One of the byproducts of this approach tended to be very large families. This phenomenon continues to exist in many emerging nations.
The Preventable Economic Effects of COVID‑19
Brief Published on September 16, 2021The COVID-19 pandemic continues to exact a major toll in terms of human health and wellbeing, as well as the economy. Cases, hospitalizations, and deaths have risen recently due to the delta variant, and the spike has caused substantial disruptions. Despite these concerns, there has been massive resistance by some policymakers and individuals around the country to basic protective measures, which is resulting in preventable losses to the economy through reduced employment and decreases in productivity.
- Tags:
- coronavirus,
- COVID-19,
- United States
Preliminary Estimate of the Economic Costs of Hurricane Ida Include $125 Billion in US Output and Could Go Higher
Brief Published on September 02, 2021On August 29, Hurricane Ida made landfall near New Orleans causing wind damage and flooding. Its remnants have caused significant issues across the eastern United States. The human suffering is of paramount importance and should be the primary concern, as well as enormous emotional losses. In addition, the storm will have a significant impact on the economy.
- Tags:
- hurricane,
- Hurricane Ida,
- Louisiana
Masked!: The Hidden and Preventable Losses to the Texas Economy Associated with Inadequate Protective Measures for COVID‑19
Brief Published on August 20, 2021Texas has recently seen a sharp upswing in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths. This spike has caused substantial disruptions and hardships to families across the state (including many children), compromised safety as schools seek to reopen and address the massive educational gap that has surfaced during the pandemic, and added further strain to an already fragile healthcare complex. Despite these concerns, there has been massive resistance by policymakers to sensible and basic protective measures, such as appropriate masking requirements and measures to encourage higher vaccination rates. In addition to these obvious consequences, this approach is also resulting in preventable losses to the economy through reduced employment and decreases in productivity. The Perryman Group (TPG) has recently quantified these adverse effects.
- Tags:
- coronavirus,
- COVID-19,
- masks,
- Texas
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
Preliminary Estimates of Economic Costs of the February 2021 Texas Winter Storm
Brief Published on February 25, 2021The recent extreme winter weather is unprecedented in Texas. Records were shattered, and the demands on the power grid were exceptional. When brutal conditions took down about 40% of generation capacity (wind turbines and conventional plants alike), disaster struck. Most people had to deal with power outages (sometimes for days in freezing temperatures) and millions had no water (again for an extended period).
- Tags:
- impact analysis,
- storm,
- Texas,
- Texas Freeze,
- winter
The Economic Cost of the 500,000 Lives Lost to COVID‑19
Brief Published on February 23, 2021The United States recently reached a tragic milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic when the number of lives lost reached 500,000. The suffering and hardships imposed by these losses are incalculable and the primary concern, with few Americans not personally affected in some way