Ebb of stimulus funding could hit Texas workers hard

WASHINGTON – The federal stimulus payments that helped thousands of Texas workers ride out the recession will ebb next year, just as state legislators are likely to enact cuts that could hurt government workers and others who rely on public spending. The Recovery Act has sent about $16.5 billion to Texas state agencies since 2009. The biggest impact has been on public education, where more than 27,000 jobs were supported by stimulus funds between July and September 2010, according to the Texas Education Agency.

Dave Michaels reports: http://dallasne.ws/fTObn3

Texas likely to lead nation in economic growth, researchers forecast

AUSTIN – Texas lost hundreds of thousands of jobs last year as it stumbled through the deep national recession. But the state is likely to shine as the nation's economic growth leader over the next decade, according to research and forecasting firm IHS Global Insight.

Brendan Case reports: http://dallasne.ws/bu5mc3

Social services short $1.6 billion, chief says

The Texas budget shortfall for next session -- whether it's $11 billion or $15 billion -- just got bigger. Garrett reports.