Texans Among Long-Term Jobless, Single Parents And Older Workers Bracing For Early Unemployment Shutoff

CBS Dallas/Fort Worth

June 4, 2021

Texas is one of 25 states — all with Republican governors — that have opted to curtail enhanced unemployment benefits two months early, citing difficulties being reported by some employers in finding workers.

Critics of the 25 states that are curtailing jobless aid point to data demonstrating that the labor market is improving. In May, the nation's jobless rate fell to its lowest since the pandemic erupted in March of 2020, declining to 5.8%, the Labor Department said on Friday. Employers added a solid 559,000 jobs last month.

Still, challenges remain. In some cases, restaurant workers have shifted to other industries, but some hospitality industry workers remain sidelined because of child care issues or health concerns. Many other unemployed workers with years of experience in other industries, such as medicine and education, tell CBS MoneyWatch that finding a job isn't as easy as their elected leaders suggest.

CBS Local Digital Media personalizes the global reach of CBS-owned and operated television and radio stations with a local perspective.