Texas unemployment fund to run out

AUSTIN (AP) - The state unemployment insurance trust fund will run out of money next week, forcing the Texas Workforce Commission to borrow $643 million from the federal government to cover claims.

State officials also said Tuesday they are overwhelmed by people applying for assistance and that 82,000 unemployed Texans whose benefits ran out will not receive the 13-week extensions they expected.

Officials said once unemployment payments are restored to those needing extensions, they will be retroactive to the date they were cut off.

State Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie told The Dallas Morning News that Gov. Rick Perry should have accepted $556 million of federal stimulus funds.

Perry said the funds would have been burdensome to small business owners.