Texas poverty figures challenge Rick Perry jobs record

Report published by non-partisan CPPP says poverty in Texas is higher than the rest of America – and growing faster

• Paul Harris in New York
• guardian.co.uk, Thursday 15 September 2011 10.45 EDT

Republican frontrunner Rick Perry has put his economic record as Texas governor at the heart of his presidential nomination campaign, but a report has painted a stark picture of rising unemployment and spiralling poverty in the state.

The policy paper, published by the Austin-based non-partisan Center for Public Policy Priorities, said poverty in Texas was currently higher than the rest of the US and was growing faster.