The High Cost to Texas of Census 2020 Undercounts
Report Published on November 16, 2021Accurate Census counts are far more than just a matter of interest. They are important to ensuring adequate federal funding for various programs and appropriate representation in Congress. In addition, the Census is crucial to understanding population and demographic trends in order to plan for the future.
- Tags:
- Census,
- demographics,
- population,
- Texas
An Assessment of the Potential Impact of Expanding Inter Partes Review (IPR) Under the America Invents Act on the US Economy
Report Published on September 23, 2021Innovation has long been recognized as the key factor supporting US economic growth and competitiveness. A critical element of the infrastructure facilitating product development and commercialization is the system that protects intellectual property and encourages its widespread adoption and implementation. The current framework that facilitates this process includes the LeahySmith America Invents Act (AIA) and the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). The AIA and PTAB reduce the need for and cost of patent litigation, reducing transaction costs and generating substantial economic benefits. Potential expansion of the AIA to further enhance its applicability could lead to notable additional gains.
Potential Economic Consequences of Texas and OU Leaving the Big 12 Conference
Report Published on July 28, 2021The University of Texas and The University of Oklahoma recently announced that they would soon be leaving the Big 12 Conference to join the Southeastern Conference. Without Texas and OU, the rest of the conference is undoubtedly facing smaller television deals, lower attendance, and other negative consequences. The result would be reductions in athletic revenue, tourism, and economic benefits for affected communities.
- Tags:
- Big 12,
- Big XII,
- impact,
- NCAA,
- Oklahoma University,
- OU,
- University of Texas,
- UT
The High Cost of Cutting the Surplus Agricultural Products Grant
Report Published on February 10, 2021Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the number of Texans seeking food bank assistance has risen 200%. This dramatic increase in food insecurity has caused immeasurable stress and suffering, eroding the health and wellbeing of people across the state. In the midst of this greatly increased need for help, the surplus agricultural products grant, a key aspect of food bank support, has been drastically cut. If this reduction remains in place, the opportunity to acquire almost 20 million pounds of healthy local produce will be lost. Hunger involves quantifiable economic costs in the form of increased health care and social service needs, inferior educational outcomes, and lost productivity. The Perryman Group estimates that cutting the surplus agricultural products grant would cost the state economy hundreds of millions of dollars over time, with economic harms spreading across the entire economy. Because economic activity generates taxes, the cut would also lead to reductions in State and local taxes. State costs for health care and education would also rise due to the effects of hunger.
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