The Austin American-Statesman
reports that the Texas unemployment rate has reached its highest level
since June 1987, at 8.5%. The continued losses are a result of a
shrinking public sector, as the private sector continues to create jobs.
While
the rate is below the national average, the rising unemployment level
in the state could harm Texas Gov. Rick Perry's (R) efforts to tout his
success at job creation in the Republican presidential primary.