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Article: Houston Chronicle Jim Barlow Column.
- Article from:
- Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
- Article date:
- July 15, 2001
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Knight-Ridder/Tribune Business News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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By Jim Barlow, Houston Chronicle Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News
Jul. 15--Texas residents who live along our 1,254-mile border with Mexico have an unenviable distinction. They are, and for decades have been, economically the poorest in the state and nation.
In the last decade, however, we've seen a border boom set off by increased trade with Mexico that was sparked by that country's acceptance into the World Trade Organization and by the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Yes, things have improved economically, but prosperity is relative.
Which is why the official poverty-level income in this country would be riches in many ...