That financial contribution will rise to about $252 billion by 2013, a 47 percent increase, the study by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia showed. Combs released the Texas results.
Texas is home to almost 9 million Hispanics as of 2008. That's 38 percent of the population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Hispanics account for almost 20 percent of the population in Bell County.
New census data indicate that Hispanics in Bell County had total 2008 earnings of about $1.1 billion. The census numbers show that while 80 percent of Hispanic men 16 and older in the county were in the labor force, only 47 percent of women 16 and older were working or looking for work. Hispanic women last year earned a median of $6,000 less than did men.
Quoting from the 2000 Hispanic Business 500, Combs said the Top 20 Hispanic businesses in Texas produced about $4 billion and employed more than 14,600 people.
"We expect to see significant growth in Hispanic-owned businesses," she said. "Texas has a worldwide reputation as a business-friendly state. By encouraging growth and diversity, we provide opportunities for all businesses, large or small, to grow, prosper and propel our economy."
No information was available about the extent of Hispanic business ownership in Temple.
