Governor Greg Abbott launched the Texas Jobs Council on Mar. 16, following its first meeting at the Governor’s Mansion. The new advisory board aims to strengthen workforce development in Texas and prepare residents for high-demand jobs.
The creation of the council comes as Texas continues to see growth in business opportunities and employment. The initiative is intended to help maintain the state’s position as a leader in job creation and economic opportunity, according to the official website of the Office of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “Texas right now is the hottest state in America for business and labor opportunities,” said Governor Abbott. “For us to maintain our dominance, business and labor are working together to meet the high demand for high skilled labor, positions like electricians, pipe fitters, welders, plumbers, truckers, and a whole lot more. Today, we galvanized that partnership with the launch of the Texas Jobs Council. We are unified on a mission that benefits all Texans. A mission that will keep Texas number one for business, keep Texas number one for jobs, and keep Texas number one for workforce training, ensuring great careers for generations of Texans.”
Abbott was joined by leaders from both business and labor sectors at the event, including Plumbers Local Union 68 Business Manager Wayne Lord; Interim President of the Texas Association of Business Megan Mauro; Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission Joe Esparza; and others.
The council includes members such as Brent Taylor (Vice President South Teamsters Local 745 & Teamsters Joint Council 80), Megan Mauro (Interim President Texas Association of Business), Tony Bennett (President Texas Association of Manufacturers), Todd Staples (President Texas Oil and Gas Association), Hector Rivero (President Texas Chemistry Council), Scott Norman (President Texas Association of Builders), Robert Mele (President Teamsters Local 988), Robert Wayne Lord (Business Manager Plumbers Local Union 68), Alan Robb (Assistant General International Longshoremen’s Association), Lacy Wolf (Local 22 President Heat and Frost Insulators Local Union 22), Mark Maher Jr. (Business Manager International Union of Operating Engineers 450), and Bryan Edwards (Business Manager Pipefitters Local Union 211).
The council will focus on executive actions that can be implemented immediately by state agencies to reduce regulatory burdens related to workforce development. It will also make policy recommendations ahead of the next legislative session. A final report outlining these recommendations is expected in November.
According to its official website, since his election in 2014 Greg Abbott has led an office focused on job creation, economic opportunities, education enhancement, individual liberties protection, parental empowerment in schooling, and southern border security according to the official website. The office maintains its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building according to the official website.
Abbott’s administration has contributed to record employment levels across Texas according to the official website, exercising authority statewide according to the official website. In recognition of his influence on state affairs, TIME included Greg Abbott among its list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2024 according to the official website.
