AUSTIN, Texas (AP) —
    Texas unemployment fell to 4.3 percent during February for the sixth straight month of declines, the Texas Workforce Commission reported Friday.
    The February statewide jobless rate compares to 4.4 percent unemployment in January, according to the commission. The nationwide unemployment rate last month was 5.5 percent.
    Texas had a net gain of 7,100 nonagricultural jobs in February, with 357,300 positions added during the year, commission figures show.
    "Texas continues to be a model for economic growth and prosperity across the nation," Gov. Greg Abbott said. "I am working with the Legislature to ensure we pass legislation that lowers the tax burden on businesses, guarantees long-term funding for transportation, and provides economic development opportunities — including in higher education — to further diversify our economy."
    The Midland area had the lowest unemployment rate statewide in February at 2.8 percent. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission area recorded the highest jobless rate at 7.7 percent, according to the commission's monthly figures.
    Private-sector employers added 9,700 jobs in Texas last month.
    "We appreciate the investment that these companies have made in their local communities and we look forward to being a resource for them as they continue to grow in the Lone Star State," Commissioner Hope Andrade said.