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How Is Texas Using Recovery Act Funds to Create Jobs?

  

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

June 21, 2010

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Even as the economy recovers from the devastating recession that has plagued it for the past few years, unemployment remains far too high. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) aimed to create jobs, partially by allocating $3.1 billion to Workforce Investment Act programs that provide training and support to job-seekers. Texas received more than $170 million to fund job creation programs in our state, and the U.S. Labor Department issued new guidelines that made it easier for states to make use of the money. To date, Texas has exceeded performance goals for the Summer Youth Employment program and expended most of its WIA Youth funds. In some areas, though, Texas has lagged behind in making sure that ARRA job creation funding is put to good use. This policy page evaluates what Texas can do better to create jobs and ensure that training and job support goes to those who need it most.