Tag: economy

Posted on March 18, 2009 · Consumer prices are up slightly in the Houston area. You may have already felt the increase. Jim Bell reports.

Posted on March 12, 2009 · More than a half billion dollars in federal stimulus money that would expand state unemployment benefits won't be coming to Texas. Governor Rick Perry says it would increase the tax burden on businesses to expand the program. Pat Hernandez has more.

Posted on March 4, 2009 · About 150-million dollars is on its way to the Houston region for transportation projects. It's a result of the federal stimulus package and represents a fraction of the 2.25 billion dollars Texas will receive overall for transit. As Laurie Johnson reports — there are already some disputes about how the money should be used.

Posted on February 26, 2009 · A number of Houston churches are cutting budgets and even laying off staff members as they respond to decreased giving and tithes. The recession is taking its toll on the faith community in Houston. Laurie Johnson has the story.

Posted on February 10, 2009 · The Senate's approval of President Obama's stimulus package was a sure victory for the new administration, but is it a victory for the American people? Bill Stamps has that story.

Posted on February 5, 2009 · The list of big-name auto dealerships closing their doors has grown. The mega-dealer Lawrence Marshall shut down and laid off 240 employees this week. As Laurie Johnson reports — Houston auto sales are down about 17 percent.

Posted on February 4, 2009 · Houston's coffers will be a little emptier this year. That's according to the latest budget analysis by city officials. As Laurie Johnson reports — the city is estimating a 53-million dollar shortfall this fiscal year.

Posted on February 2, 2009 · We've all heard about the recent economic woes, thousands of job losses in major corporations nearly every day. But there is still some good news, especially for job hunters here in Houston. Jack Williams reports.

Posted on January 12, 2009 · The two-year revenue estimate for Texas is out. State Comptroller Susan Combs released her estimate today—saying Texas has a little more than 77-billion dollars to spend over the next two years. Laurie Johnson reports.

Posted on January 12, 2009 · State legislatures all over the country are facing lower revenues and budget cuts because of the national recession. That's not the case in Texas, but state lawmakers are still worried. In part 2 of his series on the legislative session that begins tomorrow, reporter Ben Philpott says no one can say which programs will be cut or reduced, if any.

Posted on January 9, 2009 · The 2009 Texas Legislative session starts next week, and state lawmakers will have 140 days to wade through thousands of bills. The only bill they absolutely have to pass is the state budget. Today in the first of a 2 part series on the session, reporter Ben Philpott reports passing the massive spending bill could be more difficult this year, considering the national economy.

Posted on January 9, 2009 · While the unemployment rate continues to creep up, mortgage rates have gone the other way the last month or so. This week, the average interest rate on a 30-year mortgage is at 5-percent. On a 15-year loan, it's even better, at 4-point-6 percent. The low rates have prompted a refinancing rush that has local mortgage brokers, like Bob Stanwood, working long hours to keep up.

Posted on January 9, 2009 · Despite all the talk of dismal retail sales — terrible interest rates and lack of consumer confidence — Texas sales tax revenues are up. The state comptroller's office shows the numbers are higher than this time last year. Laurie Johnson has more.

Posted on December 20, 2008 · Even as some retail outlets are closing, one Austin-based nature and travel retailer is opening a second Houston store. Ed Mayberry reports.