Texas’s economy took a major blow in March from COVID-19 as it reduced Texans’ activity across the state. Then lockdowns by state and local governments in response to the novel coronavirus further exacerbated the economic fallout. The economic data are clear that the labor market, economic outlook, and social mobility remain well below where it was in February. These weaknesses tell the story of how many Texas families and employers are struggling in their lives and livelihoods during this trying time without hope until government reopens the economy.
House Bill 819: Pilot Programs
Vance Ginn, PhD, is chief economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit, non-partisan research institute in Austin. My name is Vance Ginn, and I am chief economist at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Thank you for the opportunity to testify in support of HB 819, which would create pilot programs to encourage...