Texas jobless rate at highest level since 1987

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The unemployment rate in Texas jumped to 8.4 percent in July, the highest level since the state was reeling from an energy, real estate and banking crisis 24 years ago, the state's employment agency reported Friday.

The jobless rate increased from 8.2 percent in June, jumping 0.2 in consecutive months for the first time since the state was in a recession in the spring of 2009. The unemployment rate matches the figure from July 1987, but is still below the national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent.

Commission Chairman Tom Pauken said the state "continues to feel the effects of a stagnant national economy."

The increase in the jobless rate came despite a 10th consecutive month of job growth. Texas added 29,300 nonfarm jobs in July, according to commission figures.