Commissioner Representing Labor

Today I had the privilege of visiting West Texas and presenting an $81,867 Skills Development Fund grant to El Paso Community College in partnership with Novipax Buyer. 👐 🌟

This investment will help train 40 students for high-demand careers in Industrial Electronics, Blueprint Reading for Manufacturing, and other in-demand skills that strengthen our workforce and create pathways to good-paying jobs. 👌💪

The Skills Development Fund is a great example of how partnerships between education, industry, and the state can equip Texans with the skills employers need while supporting continued economic growth in our communities. 🤝

Congratulations to El Paso Community College and Novipax Buyer on this exciting partnership. A special thank you to Alberto De La Vega, William Serrata, Blayne Primozich, Dr. Carlos Amaya, and Armando Abarca. 👏

I look forward to continuing to work with El Paso Community College and seeing the positive impact this investment will have on students, employers and the future of our region. 🤠

As we mark the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we celebrate a law that has expanded opportunity, strengthened our workforce, and reinforced the principle that every Texan deserves the chance to succeed. ✨ 😊

As Commissioner Representing Labor, I believe one of our greatest responsibilities is ensuring that every Texan who wants to work has a fair opportunity to build a meaningful career. The ADA continues to serve as a foundation for that mission. Together with our 28 Texas Workforce Solutions Boards, we’re building stronger pathways to employment and ensuring opportunity reaches every corner of our state. 🤠 🌟

Our Vocational Rehabilitation professionals are helping thousands of Texans with disabilities gain the skills, training, and support they need to enter and thrive in the workforce. Their work not only changes lives – it strengthens our labor force by connecting employers with talented dedicated workers who help meet the demands of our growing economy. ☺️

An inclusive workforce benefits everyone. When workers have access to opportunity businesses gain valuable talent, communities grow stronger, and Texas remains the best place to work and do business. 🤝 👌

I’m grateful for the dedicated Vocational Rehabilitation staff and our partners across the Texas Workforce System who work every day to expand opportunity and support Texas workers. As we celebrate the ADA’s legacy, we also recommit ourselves to building a workforce where every Texan has the opportunity to contribute, succeed, and prosper. 🎉

Today I had the honor of presenting a $150,000 Texas Industry Partnership grant on behalf of the Texas Workforce Commission to Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande in partnership with The PossAble Dream Foundation and The PossAble Dream Adult High School. 🌟 🤩

This investment will provide training for 22 students preparing for high demand careers as HVAC Technicians and Medical Assistants, helping connect Texans with meaningful career opportunities while strengthening the workforce employers depend on. 🔌 🩺

Strong partnerships like these are building a skilled workforce and creating brighter futures for students, families, and communities across Texas. Congratulations to everyone who made this collaboration possible. As Commissioner Representing Labor, I look forward to seeing the success of these students and the lasting impact they will leave. 🙌 🤝

Big thanks to the speakers: Paloma Castro-Romero, Cynthia Garza-Reyes, Francisco Almaraz, Dr. Daniel King, and Darcia Cuellar. 🤠

Turning Truth into Action: Supporting Texas Youth Transitioning from Foster Care

During my time at the Foster Youth Conference, I had the privilege of learning directly from a panel of former foster youth. They shared their deeply personal truths - the uphill struggle to secure stable employment, the heavy weight of navigating adult finances alone, the unfair labels they’ve spent years trying to shed, and the profound loneliness that often comes with aging out of a system built to protect them.

Their raw honesty was incredibly humbling. It serves as a stark, powerful reminder of exactly why robust workforce readiness and transitional programs matter so deeply.

As Commissioner Representing Labor, firsthand conversations like these are vital. They actively shape how we design and deploy resources at the Texas Workforce Commission. We are fully committed to breaking down these systemic barriers and equipping our foster youth with the tangible tools, mentorship, and career paths necessary to build a secure, stable, and independent future. 💪

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to these incredible young leaders for their presence and voice: Jayden Martinez, Michael Adams, Victoria Gracie Lemley, Ariyana Shelby, and Tai Kapaji. Your courage to be vulnerable in front of a full room was a profound gift to all of us, and it strengthens our resolve to ensure the Texas workforce is an inclusive place of opportunity for you all. 🩶

Learn more about TWC support resources and programs at your local Workforce Solutions office.

Real People, Real Opportunities: Texas Workers Lead the Nation 🎉

Another strong month for Texas’ economy. Texas added 43,400 nonfarm jobs in June, bringing our total to 14,469,600 positions – and 177,900 jobs over the year, an annual growth rate of 1.2%, outpacing the national rate by 0.9 points. While our unemployment rate sits at 4.4%, our targeted industries continue to show massive resilience. Professional and Business Services led the way this month with 25,500 new jobs, followed by Leisure and Hospitality (10,300) and Trade, Transportation & Utilities (6,400). 📈 📊

As Commissioner Representing Labor, I am incredibly proud of what Texas workers and employers continue to build together. Behind every data point is a hard-working Texan finding a real opportunity to support their family and community. 👏 🙌

At the Texas Workforce Commission, our mission is to ensure economic growth leaves no one behind. We are dedicated to providing the support network necessary to turn these open jobs into long-term careers. This means expanding access to high-quality training programs and strengthening specialized initiatives that lift up vulnerable populations, including youth transitioning out of foster care. 👍 🌟

No matter where you are on your career path, your local Workforce Solutions office is ready to help you upskill, train, and succeed. ‼️

It was an honor to attend the 2026 Texas Workforce Commission Foster Youth Conference, in Allen, Texas. 😊

The theme, “Creating Change: Advocating for Foster Youth in a Changing World,” was felt in every session—from discussions on uplifting vulnerable youth through awareness and purposeful action to hearing directly from those with lived experience in the foster care system. This conference brought together dedicated advocates, community partners, and leaders who are committed to expanding opportunities for youth with experience in foster care. As Commissioner Representing Labor, I appreciate the important work being done to bridge the gap between foster care and strengthen workforce pathways, support education, and help these resilient young Texans build successful, independent futures. 🤠 🤝 💪

Thank you to everyone who contributed their expertise, passion, and commitment to creating meaningful change - Laura Villareal, Gabriela Martinez, Jennifer Hart, Katherine Andrade, Steven Sager, Tammy Ames, Steve Pier, Mary York and the TWC Conference Planning team. I would also like to thank Chairman Esparza, Commissioner Connett, Aric Bostick, Gaye Vopat, Tymothy Belseth and Tai Kapaji. 🙌 👏

Together, we can continue building a Texas where every Foster Youth has the opportunity to thrive. 🌟

Everything is bigger in Texas—including our job market! May labor market data shows Texas added jobs at a faster annual rate than the U.S. over the last 12 months. 📈🏆

We added 17,800 jobs in May and 98,000 over the past year, growing faster than the nation. Add in 15,213,400 Texans working (self-employed included) and a labor force that grew by 43,500 people. Texas also hit a new record high showing 14,419,200 total nonfarm jobs. 🤠 🌟

As Commissioner Representing Labor, I’m proud of the hardworking Texans behind these numbers. Whether you're learning a new skill or starting a new career, you are the reason Texas leads! 😊 👏

Happy 4th of July and Happy 250th Anniversary to the United States of America! 🌟 🎉

Tomorrow, we celebrate two and a half centuries of freedom, progress, and resilience. As your Commissioner representing Labor, I am especially proud to reflect on the role the American worker has played in shaping our nation. From the infrastructure that connects us to the innovations that drive us, it is the hands of labor that built the backbone of this country. 🎇 🎊

As we celebrate, we want to extend a special "Thank You" to our veterans. Your sacrifice is the foundation of our freedom, that allow us to live, work, and thrive. We are forever grateful for your service. 👏 🙌

We hope everyone enjoys the festivities this July 4th. Whether you’re at a backyard BBQ or a local parade, cherish the time spent with your friends, family, and neighbors. Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come together! 🎆 ✨

Exciting news for Texas’ Workforce! 🤩 Governor Abbott announced new agency directives to expand access to high – demand, high-paying careers in the trades. Here at TWC, we are proud to be leading the charge. ⭐️

Based on recommendations from Texas Jobs Council, we’re directed to:
👉 Expand apprenticeship opportunities across new occupations.
👉 Launch a one-stop online hub for career planning resources.
👉 Build unified career pathways for veterans, foster youth, and Texans with disabilities.
👉 Roll our digital Learning and Employment Records to connect jobseekers with employers faster.

This is what building the best-trained workforce in the nation looks like, and we’re just getting started. 👏

After 44 remarkable years, we are saying goodbye to a true pillar of the Texas Workforce Commission—our Deputy Executive Director, Randy Townsend. 👏

If you’ve worked with Randy, you know that his career has been defined by his unwavering commitment to helping others and the people of Texas. He has been a steady, guiding hand through every change our state has seen, always focusing on the programs that put Texans back to work. 🌟

His impact on Texas workforce development is immeasurable. Thank you for your extraordinary service over the last four decades and for leaving a legacy of excellence. Texas is a better place to work because of you! 🤠 We wish you the very best in your next great chapter! 👏