economy

Last Of Perry Business Tax Cuts Goes Through With Key Oversight Provision

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:16:36 +0000

A Democratic senator was able to add a last-minute provision to the last of Gov. Rick Perry’s business tax cut bills calling for more oversight and monitoring of the program.

Sen. Rodney Ellis, D-Houston, was able to add his provision to House Bill 500, which provides Texas small businesses with $600 million in tax cuts.

The attachment bill would have the Texas Comptroller review the businesses receiving a tax cut to be sure such cuts were effective.

Gov. Perry Closer To Getting His $1.8 Billion In Businesses Tax Breaks

Ryan Poppe — Thu, 16 May 2013 19:29:08 +0000

A bill that provides $630 million worth of tax incentives has already made its way out of the House, and is now heading to the Senate floor for a vote.

The bill has been altered from its original wording, streamlining those benefiting down to one business group.

The Source: Business Incentives & The Book 'Debtors' Prison'

Paul Flahive — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:55:52 +0000

In the first segment:

When cities and counties try to attract big businesses, they have several tools in their toolbox. Tax abatements or breaks to businesses that bring jobs have become the new normal, so are they worth it?

Today we talk with Brian Kelsey, professor at the University of Texas, Austin and principle at Civic Analytics, and with David Marquez from Bexar County Economic Development about what these all mean and why cities and counties are going this route.

The Source: Business Friendly San Antonio

Paul Flahive — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:42:30 +0000

In the first segment:

San Antonio was given an A in terms of business friendliness by thumbtack.com. What does it mean to be business-friendly? And is it all that is cracked up to be?

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ramiro Cavazos joins us to speak to the business environment here in San Antonio.

Technology Industry Thriving In The Lone Star State

Eileen Pace — Wed, 15 May 2013 17:25:28 +0000

Texas is making headlines in the tech industry as a report released today by the TechAmerica Foundation indicated that Texas is now second only to California in the number of high-tech jobs.

Latinos May Need More Than 'Miracle' To Prosper In Texas

editor — Fri, 10 May 2013 14:08:50 +0000

Story as it aired on KUT 90.5 FM

President Obama brought a message of economic recovery when he visited Austin yesterday, the first stop in his “Middle Class Jobs and Opportunity Tour.” Latinos in the U.S., however, are trailing behind the national average in unemployment. So how are they’re doing when it comes to finding work in the home of the “Texas miracle?"

House Follows Governor’s Marching Orders To Pass Small Business Tax Cuts

Ryan Poppe — Wed, 08 May 2013 15:55:56 +0000

The House passed House Bill 500, which would extend tax incentives to small businesses by using revenue usually reserved to fund schools.

Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, R-Kerrville, who authored the bill, said the state will replace the money for public education in the senate’s version of the budget bill.

Congressman Gallego Outlines Priorities For South San Antonio

Eileen Pace — Fri, 03 May 2013 15:35:00 +0000

U.S. Congressman Pete Gallego reported to members of the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce on his own legislative agenda for that section of his broad district.

The South Side of San Antonio has grown since the Base Realignment Commission (BRAC), the opposite of what most people in the mid 1990s thought would happen.

These Days Most Students Don't Graduate In Four Years

Janine Khammash — Thu, 02 May 2013 17:36:13 +0000

At public universities in Texas, only 1 in 4 full-time freshman graduates within four years. That's obviously a problem for students -- and with Texas legislators considering a bill that would increasingly link state funding to graduation rates, it's a pressure point for colleges, too.

The Source: The Gold Bubble

Paul Flahive — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:11:29 +0000

In the first segment:

The promise of gold's safety lured many in uncertain economic times and the price, which was often stable, shot up over the past decade to unprecedented levels. Doomsayers predicting the collapse of the U.S. and world financial systems all bet on gold.