Governor Greg Abbott hosted a meeting of the Texas Jobs Council at the Governor’s Mansion on Oct. 1 and received an update on the council’s work to strengthen workforce development, according to a news release from the governor’s office. He also signed a proclamation declaring Oct. 2-9 Manufacturing Week in Texas.
“Texas ranks number one in the United States for the most new jobs and number one for the most economic opportunity,” Abbott said. “We have to maintain that status by ensuring Texas can provide the skilled employees that our employers need. That is exactly what we’re trying to achieve with this Jobs Council, as business and labor come together around a shared mission to meet the high demand for skilled workers.”
The governor’s office said Abbott created the council in March to develop legislative recommendations and actionable items that can be carried out through executive or agency authority. In June, it said, he directed four state agencies to act on the council’s first set of recommendations. The council has met for several months and briefed the governor on input gathered from Texans across the state, the release said.
During his remarks, Abbott touted the demand for high-skilled labor such as electricians, pipe fitters, welders, plumbers and truckers, according to the release. He also noted the council’s early recommendations to open clearer pathways into high-demand jobs, give students earlier exposure to career training and strengthen workforce readiness. Those and other recommendations will be part of the council’s final report ahead of the 90th Texas legislative session, the governor’s office said.
Abbott was joined by council co-chair and Teamsters Southern Region Vice President Brent Taylor, Texas Association of Manufacturers President Tony Bennett and other council members, the release said.
Todd Staples, president of the Texas Oil & Gas Association and a council member, also attended. In a separate statement, the association quoted Staples as saying: “Governor Greg Abbott understands the best solution to poverty is a job. The men and women in our workforce are the keys to today’s and tomorrow’s success. Governor Abbott and his Texas Jobs Council are working to create opportunities for Texas students that match our economy’s workforce needs. I appreciate the Governor’s leadership and the thoughtful input from such a broad group of Texans serving on the Governor’s Jobs Council.”