A fresh reading of the Austin economy suggests people are spending more money than they were a year ago.
The state comptroller says sales tax receipts grew by 6.5 percent in January from the same month a year earlier. That was slightly more than the statewide growth of 6.1 percent.
"Growth in sales tax receipts was led by the construction, retail trade and restaurant sectors," Texas Comptroller Susan Combs said in a statement, referring to the statewide numbers. "Receipts from oil and natural gas-related activity also continue to be strong. State sales tax revenue has now increased for 34 consecutive months."
