The $600 Payments Have Ended. Here's 6 Ways We Can Help Job Seekers Locally.
Workforce Solutions East Texas • July 27, 2020
The “extra” $600 per week authorized under the CARES Act ended July 25, 2020. What can you do? And how can we help?
The “extra” $600 per week authorized under the CARES Act ended July 25, 2020. Unfortunately, our local Workforce Solutions East Texas staff cannot do anything to extend these benefits. Only the lawmakers in Washington, D.C. have that ability. So, while we all wait for whatever is/is not decided in Washington, please keep in mind the following:
What can you do?
- State Unemployment Insurance continues to be available if you are eligible.
- Call 1-800-939-6631 or go online at TexasWorkforce.org to apply for Unemployment Insurance.
- If you are receiving Unemployment Insurance now, continue to file for your payments. (It’s the $600 extra that is expiring, not the Unemployment Insurance part.) You will continue to receive your UI as long as there are available funds in your account.
- Even if your “regular” UI runs out, continue to file if you are unemployed. If there are extensions for which you quality, TWC will auto-enroll you in those extensions.
What can we do here locally to help?
- While we cannot provide assistance with your Unemployment Insurance here locally, we can help you with your Re-Employment efforts.
- Local job listings and job matching is available free of charge at WorkinTexas.com.
- We have no-cost online “live” workshops to help you with the tools and systems that will help you get you your next job.
- We have a limited number of temporary positions related to working with COVID protection within our community. (Must be laid off and otherwise eligible.) Submit an application on our Apply for Services page. Enter “Disaster Grant” on line G to expedite your application.
- Check out our website to learn more about locally available re-training opportunities (classroom, online, and work base learning). Free of charge! Check it out on our Scholarships and Training page. Complete an application on our Apply for Services page to begin the application process.
- You can make an appointment to visit one of our workforce centers to speak with a Career Adviser or use computer labs. See our locations and computer lab appointment availability on our Locations page.
- Questions about local services? Give us a call at 1-844-ETWORKS.
Need additional assistance?
- Community Resource Information is available at 211texas.gov or by simply dialing 211.
Tuesday, August 4 | Athens, Longview, Marshall, Palestine, and Tyler
Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June to reach a total of 14,469,600 positions. Over the year, the state added 177,900 jobs for an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.9 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,904,900 after adding 3,400 people over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 29,700 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas registered at 4.4 percent. “Texas’ continued job growth is a testament to the strength of our employers and robust workforce development system,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The addition of more than 177,000 jobs over the year reinforces Texas’ reputation among employers as the best place to start and grow a business.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in June after adding 25,500 jobs. Leisure and Hospitality added 10,300 jobs over the month while Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added 6,400. “The growth of the Texas labor market highlights the incredible talent and dedication of our state’s workforce,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas Workforce Commission is committed to ensuring every Texan has the support they need to thrive, whether through training opportunities to gain new skills or specialized programs that help our foster youth transition into successful careers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.6 percent in June. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.9 percent and the Abilene MSA at 4.0 percent. “With an annual growth rate of 1.2 percent, Texas continues to outpace the national average and demonstrate economic resilience,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “Both job seekers and employers can seek customized career services and recruitment assistance by visiting our TWC website or their local Workforce Solutions office.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. * All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for July is scheduled to be released on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT).
Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is proud to partner with the Panola County Chamber of Commerce to support child care leaders across the region. Through this partnership, the Chamber provides a welcoming meeting space for Directors Connect training designed to help early learning program owners and directors connect, learn, and grow together. The partnership was made possible through the support of Keri Perot-Vance, Executive Director of the Panola County Chamber of Commerce, whose commitment to community collaboration helped create a space where child care leaders can come together to share ideas, discuss challenges, and strengthen their leadership skills. The partnership began in 2025 in response to daycare owners expressing a need for accessible training opportunities. Recognizing this need, Panola County Chamber of Commerce graciously offered to host the Directors Connect training in its beautiful historic building. This collaboration provides child care professionals with the opportunity to earn professional development hours required to remain in compliance with Child Care Regulation and Texas Rising Star. Tonia Crawford and Aerial Jones, Business Industry Specialists for Child Care Services and facilitators of Directors Connect, say the program has evolved into so much more than a training opportunity. It has become a space for meaningful conversations, professional connections, and shared solutions. Through these gatherings, directors are strengthening their businesses, growing as leaders, and ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided to children and families throughout East Texas. Workforce Solutions East Texas Child Care Services is grateful for the Panola County Chamber of Commerce's ongoing support and looks forward to continuing this impactful partnership for years to come. Together, we are investing in stronger leaders, stronger child care programs, and stronger communities.
