The 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.
The most recent employment data indicates that the pace of hiring in Texas has slowed. In September, 40,700 net new jobs were added, compared to 111,900 in August. Moreover, the unemployment rate rose and is now higher than the national level. While this slowing is not good news, it was not unexpected.
May and June jobs reports for Texas and the state's largest metropolitan areas were encouraging and reflect the fact that as businesses began to reopen, what was essentially a sound economy before the pandemic responded relatively quickly. Nonetheless, employment remains well below pre-COVID-19 levels. The Perryman Group's latest forecast calls for significant year-over-year losses for 2020, but notable recovery next year. If additional interruptions are required as a result of the recent surge in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in Texas, the annual declines will escalate.
The most recent US jobs reports indicate significant gains and decreasing unemployment, but the total increase over the past two months is far below losses during March and April. Moreover, the recent increase in COVID-19 infections may cause the recovery to slow. The situation remains challenging and fluid, and the recovery will likely be bumpy.
Dr. Perryman joined Ann Harder on KXXV's Central Texas Living series to discuss the economic outlook for Texas.
Hurricane Michael made landfall at the Florida Panhandle on October 10 before moving towards Georgia, the Carolinas, and Virginia. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the storm caused substantial wind damage and devastating flooding. Recent preliminary damages estimates by the National Weather Service indicate property and short-term losses of over $30 billion.
Hurricane Florence made landfall at Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina on September 14 before moving over eastern South Carolina. In addition to the tragic loss of life, the storm caused substantial wind damage and devastating flooding. Recent preliminary damages estimates by Moody's Analytics indicate property and short-term losses of $17-$22 billion.
Dr. Perryman explains the role of capacity utilization plays in indicating the strength of the economy.
Dr. Perryman compares the state to the national averages and explains the factors contibuting to Texas' success.
Dr. Perryman criticizes the current practices and why they create difficulties in governmental structure as well as the economy.