Jobless Claims Rise in Texas Despite Governor's Rosy Economic Rhetoric

Texas saw an unexpected increase of 2,274 initial jobless claims in late March, even as Gov. Abbott touts the state's strong GDP growth
The job losses are primarily in the retail and manufacturing sectors, core parts of Texas' economy
Major companies like Tramontina and Horton Automatics have recently announced layoffs affecting thousands
The Dallas Fed predicts more workforce reductions in Texas in 2024 and a rising unemployment rate
This contrasts with Abbott's positive rhetoric about Texas outpacing the nation in economic expansion and job creation