State economy again expands faster than nation

The state’s economy continues to grow faster than the nation as a whole. Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates gross domestic product for Texas grew in 2023 at an annual rate of 5.7%, more than double the national average of 2.5%. The state also continues to lead the nation in job creation, adding almost 50,000 new jobs in February.

“Texas is again outpacing the nation in economic expansion and job growth thanks to the best business climate and the strongest workforce in America,” Gov. Greg Abbott said.

While Texas outpaced the national average for GDP growth, a few states posted higher percentage increases – Nevada, Utah and Idaho.

Texas detected

The first human case of avian influenza in Texas was reported last week by the Texas Department of State Health Services. It came after contact with infected dairy cattle and is only the second case of a human being infected with bird flu in the United States.

“The risk to the general public is believed to be low; however, people with close contact with affected animals suspected of having avian influenza A(H5N1) have a higher risk of infection,” the alert from DSHS said.

Symptoms can include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, fatigue, eye redness, shortness of breath, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or seizures. The alert urged health care providers who see someone who may have the virus to immediately contact their local health department.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said the commercial milk supply is considered safe and that milk from infected cattle is being dumped.

Gary Borders is a veteran award-winning Texas journalist. He published a number of community newspapers in Texas during a 30-year span, including in Longview, Fort Stockton, Nacogdoches, Lufkin and Cedar Park. Email: gborders@texaspress.com.