More Jobs in Texas?

Since the recession officially ended, Texas has created more than four of every new job in America.  Texas, the reddest of red states, home to gun lovers and school textbooks that openly question whether the Founding Fathers intended for the separation of church and state.  If you care about putting people back to work at a time when nearly 14 million in this country are unemployed, maybe Texas has something to teach us. 

When the data from Texas emerged, conservative president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Richard Fisher were quick to celebrate, embracing the jobs tally as powerful evidence of the superiority of Republican ideas as well as proof that Governor Rick Perry would make a good president, however, that’s overly simplistic.

According to the Dallas Fed, Texas generated 43 percent of the net new jobs in the United States from June 2009 through May 2011.  This is an enormous share when you consider that the Lone Star State accounts for about 8 percent of the nation’s economy.  Aspects of the Texas economy are unusual, if not unique, and it will be difficult or impossible for other states to replicate them.  For example, the energy industry is booming right now, as are agricultural commodities destines for export, a boon for a huge cotton and beef producer like Texas.

Texas is attracting business because it has low taxes, however, this makes for a smaller safety net, which is one reason Texas has a high incidence of poverty and, compared with every other state, the biggest proportion of its population without health insurance.   There are also serious questions about the quality of jobs in Texas.  A “right to work” state has the biggest percentage of workers paid at or below the minimum wage.  Nevertheless, Texas has long been the most robust jobs engine in the country, and its policies and practices deserve deeper reflection.

Texas is not without lots of problems.  Its remarkable employment growth is something we should be proud of.  Our economy might be experiencing a huge budget deficit, doesn’t mean jobs will not be available.   Keep in mind, “There is Always Light At The End of the Tunnel.”  Go Texans!!!