DALLAS — Greg Abbott on March 16 announced the creation of the Texas Jobs Council, a new advisory board aimed at strengthening workforce development and preparing Texans for high-demand jobs, as he highlighted the initiative during remarks in Dallas and earlier at its inaugural meeting in Austin.
Speaking at Teamsters Local 745, Abbott said the council reflects a growing partnership between business and labor to meet workforce needs across the state.
“Here in Texas, we literally are building and manufacturing the future of the entire world,” Abbott said. “For us to maintain that dominance, business and labor are working together to meet the high demand for high-skilled labor.”
The Texas Jobs Council will focus on expanding workforce training, reducing regulatory barriers and providing policy recommendations to support continued economic growth. Abbott said the effort is intended to keep Texas competitive as industries seek skilled workers in fields such as construction, energy and transportation. Earlier in the week, Abbott formally launched the council during its inaugural meeting at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin. He described Texas as “the hottest state in America for business and labor opportunities” and emphasized the need to fill jobs including electricians, welders, plumbers and truck drivers.
The council will develop recommendations for executive actions and legislative proposals ahead of the 90th Texas Legislature. A final report is expected in November 2026.
Co-chaired by Brent Taylor, vice president of the Teamsters Southern Region, and Megan Mauro, interim president of the Texas Association of Business, the council includes leaders from labor organizations and major industry groups across the state.
Taylor said the council signals a commitment to expanding economic opportunity through workforce development.
“The Texas Jobs Council will play an important role in supporting future businesses and developments by ensuring Texas has the skilled workforce ready to meet the needs of our state’s diverse and growing industries,” Taylor said.
Mauro said collaboration between state leaders and employers is essential as Texas continues to grow.
“As our state continues to experience unprecedented economic growth and create new jobs, state leaders and employers have a responsibility to work together and ensure our workforce has the skills and training needed to compete in the 21st century economy,” Mauro said.
Other council members include representatives from manufacturing, oil and gas, construction and labor unions, as well as Texas Workforce Commission Chairman Joe Esparza.
Abbott also pointed to the state’s economic performance, noting Texas ranks first nationally in new jobs, business expansion and overall business climate.
The council is expected to provide guidance on immediate actions state agencies can take to streamline workforce development efforts, along with longer-term legislative recommendations aimed at strengthening Texas’ labor pipeline.
.png)
