Texas Unemployment Rate 8.3 Percent in December

Texas Unemployment Rate 8.3 Percent in December After two months of
employment gains, Texas employers reduce jobs

AUSTIN - The Texas seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.3 percent
in December, up from 8.0 percent a month ago, but continued to trend well
below the U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December of 10.0
percent. Total nonagricultural employment in Texas decreased by 23,900 jobs
in December. Texas has gained nearly 50,000 jobs in the last three months.

"Texas continues to feel the effects of this serious national recession with
unemployment in our state now at 8.3 percent," said Texas Workforce
Commission (TWC) Chairman Tom Pauken. "Nonetheless, unemployment in Texas
remains well below the national level of 10.0 percent."

Education and Health Services employment increased by 4,800 positions in
December, representing the addition of 60,400 jobs in the past 12 months.
Mining and Logging employment posted a modest gain of 300 jobs in December.

"December job losses offset some of the gains from the last couple of
months," said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Ronny Congleton. "TWC and
the 28 workforce boards are committed to assisting Texas job seekers and
connecting them with available jobs."

Trade, Transportation and Utilities represented the bulk of December's job
losses at 7,400 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality employment was down 6,500 jobs
in December, and Professional and Business Services recorded a loss of 5,300
jobs.

"Education and Health Services continued to add jobs while other industries
experienced a tough month in December," said TWC Commissioner Representing
the Public Andres Alcantar. "Job seekers are encouraged to register on
WorkInTexas.com, TWC's online job matching Web site."

The Amarillo Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) experienced the lowest
unemployment rate in the state at 5.3 percent (not seasonally adjusted),
followed by the Lubbock MSA and the Midland MSA, both with 5.4 percent. The
unemployment rate stood at 5.9 percent in the College Station-Bryan MSA.