Home >> Research >> Economic Opportunity

More Information

Related Topics

• Texas Jobs Snapshot for 2012
• Testimony: Senate Committee on Business and Commerce
• Testimony: Pensions, Investments, and Financial Services

Also by Don Baylor

• Texans Support Protections for Payday and Auto Loan Borrowers
• Texas Regional Opportunity Index: Midland
• State Board of Education Approves Financial Literacy for Math Curriculum

A Labor Day Review of Our Unemployment Insurance System

  

Author:
Don Baylor /(512) 320-0222 x 108

August 29, 2008

Read Full Article >>  

Texans are losing jobs and taking longer to find work in today’s tough economic environment, reminding us this Labor Day of the importance of Unemployment Insurance (UI). Unemployment checks enable Texans to buy groceries, pay rent, and meet basic needs, helping both Texas families and the Texas economy. Unfortunately, Texas state policies prevent four of every five jobless Texans from collecting UI. This paper recommends common-sense, affordable changes to shore up this vital public structure that protects Texans in tough economic times. Our recommendations include new definitions for eligibility, modern infrastructure to process claims, and a smarter, sustainable funding plan.