Gov. Abbott launches Texas Jobs Council to help 'strengthen workforce development initiatives'

Business & labor leaders join Texas Jobs Council

Gov. Greg Abbott announced the launch of the Texas Jobs Council. It is a new advisory board to help "strengthen Texas' workforce development initiatives."

AUSTIN, Texas - Gov. Greg Abbott made a "major jobs announcement" at the Governor's Mansion on Monday. 

He was joined by Plumbers Local Union 68 Business Manager Wayne Lord, Texas Association of Business Interim President Megan Mauro, Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza, and other business and labor leaders.

What we know:

He launched the Texas Jobs Council. It's a new advisory board to "strengthen Texas' workforce development initiatives and ensure Texans are prepared to fill the state's growing number of high-demand jobs."

Abbott said the council will focus on:

• Executive actions that can be implemented immediately by state agencies to reduce regulatory burdens and red tape surrounding workforce development
• Policy and legislative recommendations to be presented to the Governor and Legislature ahead of the 90th Legislative Session

FULL: Gov. Abbott makes 'major jobs announcement'

Gov. Greg Abbott made a 'major jobs announcement' at the Governor's Mansion on Monday. He was joined by other business and labor leaders.

What they're saying:

"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."

Gina Hinojosa's response

The other side:

In response to Abbott's announcement of the Texas Jobs Council, Gina Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"Greg Abbott doesn't have a jobs plan – he has a plan to spend a year figuring out how to line the pockets of billionaires. After 12 years, Texas workers deserve more than press conferences and reports while job growth flatlines," Hinojosa said. "Right now, Texas’ job growth rate is slower than the national average, in part because of Abbott’s decades-long war against working people and Texas labor. As governor, I will always fight for workers over corporate donors."

What's next:

The council will deliver a final report in November 2026. 

It will outline recommended executive actions and legislative proposals to strengthen Texas’ workforce development system.