Texas Unemployment Rate Rises

AUSTIN - Texas' seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 6.0 percent in
December, while the U.S. unemployment rate climbed to 7.2 percent. Texas'
unemployment rate has consistently remained well below the national rate for
the past year. The Texas unemployment rate for December is up from 5.7
percent in November and 4.2 percent a year ago.

Texas' seasonally adjusted nonagricultural employment fell by 25,700 jobs in
December. Texas employers now have added 153,600 jobs in the past 12 months,
compared with job losses of
2.6 million nationwide during the same period.

"Our state's economy has been fairly resilient during these months of
economic uncertainty, but the national economic storm has reached Texas,"
said Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. "The challenge we
face now is to minimize the impact of the national trends by continuing to
promote our strong business climate and address the skills needs of Texas
employers."

Leisure and Hospitality gained 3,800 positions in December, for an industry
gain of 31,800 jobs in the past year. Other Services, which includes
automotive, electronic, and commercial repair and maintenance, grew by 1,600
jobs this month, adding 4,400 jobs in the past 12 months.

Texas saw broad industry losses in December. Hardest hit were Trade,
Transportation, and Utilities and Manufacturing, with losses of 8,100 and
8,000 jobs, respectively. Texas' over-the-year figures fared better with
nine of 11 industries posting positive job growth.

"The Texas unemployment rate continued to follow the national unemployment
rate's upward trend," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny
Congleton. "For the first time since 2004, our state hit the 6.0 percent
unemployment mark after record lows of 4.2 percent just a year ago."

The Midland MSA experienced the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.1
percent (not seasonally adjusted). The Amarillo and Lubbock MSAs were second
at 3.8 percent, followed by the Odessa MSA at 3.9 percent.

"Despite the loss of jobs in December, Texas employers have added a
significant number of jobs in the past 12 months, while the United States
has lost millions of jobs," said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public
Andres Alcantar. "Our state leaders have laid a strong foundation for Texas
as a business-friendly state with low taxes and less regulation, and that
foundation will be crucial in the months ahead."