Recent Press Releases

May 21, 2019 - Take Charge of Business at the Texas Business Conference in San Antonio

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) invites Alamo–area employers, human resource professionals, business owners and managers to attend the Texas Business Conference on June 7 at the Hyatt Regency in San Antonio.  Read more about Texas Business Conferences in the press release.

May 17, 2019 - Texas Adds 28,900 Jobs in April: Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.7 Percent, Returning to All-Time Record Low Last Held in Late 2018

AUSTIN ⎯ Growth in the Texas economy continued in April, with 28,900 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell once more to 3.7 percent, returning to an all-time record low last held in December of 2018. April marked the 108th consecutive month of annual growth for total nonfarm employment. Read more about the April labor market in the press release.

May 13, 2019- TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas Steps Down

AUSTIN – TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Robert D. Thomas announced his resignation from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about Commissioner Thomas' resignation in the press release.

May 7, 2019- Brackett Independent School District Receives $53,037 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Brackett Independent School District (ISD) a $53,037 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant. The grant will help the school district purchase and install equipment to provide students with training for careers in the welding, sanding and plasma cutting professions. Read more about Jobs and Education for Texans grants in the press release.

May 3, 2019 - Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area and Marble Falls, Burnet, and Llano Economic Development Corporations Partner to Target High Demand Job Training with a $52,500 Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area has been granted a $52,500 High Demand Job Training grant to match the $56,900 in funds provided by the Marble Falls, Burnet, and Llano Economic Development Corporations. Read more about High Demand Job Training grants in the press release.

April 30, 2019 - Take Charge of Business at the Texas Business Conference in Eagle Pass

The Texas Workforce Commission  invites Eagle Pass–area employers, human resource professionals, business owners and managers to attend the Texas Business Conference on May 9 at the Eagle Pass International Center for Trade in Eagle Pass. The conferences offer employers the opportunity to learn about new employment laws, network with peers, talk one-on-one with employment attorneys, and earn education credits. To register for the conference, visit the Texas Business Conference webpage. Read more about TBC in the press release.

April 29, 2019 - Terrell High School Joins TWC In Recognizing Thirteen Students at an Official Texas Career Signing Day Ceremony

AUSTIN ⎯ Terrell High School participated in its first-ever Texas Career Signing Day in recognition of the important step students are taking to continue their career and technical education after high school. Terrell High School students signed letters of intent reflecting their commitment to continue in a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in various junior colleges or career schools across the state. Career and Technical Education curriculum ensures a skilled future workforce for the Lone Star State and fast tracks students into promising careers. Read more about CTE Signing Day in the press release.

April 29, 2019 - Terrell Independent School District Receives $287, 304 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Terrell Independent School District a $287,304 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant. The grant will help the school district purchase and install equipment to provide students with training for careers in engineering and manufacturing. Read more about Jobs and Education for Texans grants in the press release.

April 29, 2019 - Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District Receives $268,408 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded Los Fresnos Consolidated Independent School District a $268,408 Jobs and Education for Texans grant. The grant will help the district purchase and install equipment to provide students with training for careers in manufacturing. Read more about Jobs and Education for Texans grants in the press release.

April 26, 2019 - Austin Area Urban League Receives $243,516 Self Sufficiency Fund Grant

AUSTIN⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Austin Area Urban League a $243,516 Self Sufficiency Fund training grant to help 150 individuals transition into the workforce. The grant will help provide job training skills for occupations such as certified nurse’s assistant, phlebotomist, supply chain management and computer user support specialist. Grant funding from the Self Sufficiency Fund will assist in developing the technical education and learning environment that will lead to industry recognized certificates and credentials. Read more about Self-Sufficiency grants in the press release.  

April 25, 2019 - Toyotetsu Texas Inc. and Forma Automotive LLC Collaborate with Alamo Colleges District for a $269,464 Skills Development Fund Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Toyotetsu Texas Inc. and Forma Automotive LLC have collaborated with Alamo Colleges District for a $269,464 Skills Development Fund Grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Alamo area. Read more about the Skills Development Fund in the press release.

April 25, 2019 - Gregory-Portland Independent School District Receives $251,828 Jobs and Education for Texans Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Gregory-Portland Independent School District (ISD) a $251,828 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant. The grant will help the ISD purchase and install equipment to provide students with training for careers in the healthcare profession. Read more about JET grant presentations in the press release.

April 19, 2019 - Northeast Texas Community College in Partnership with Priefert Manufacturing Company Inc. Receive $546,671 Job-Training Grant

​AUSTIN - Priefert Manufacturing Company Inc. has partnered with Northeast Texas Community College to provide job training using a $546,671 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about the April 19th Skills Development Fund grants in the press release.

April 19, 2019 - Texas Adds 22,600 Jobs in March

AUSTIN- Growth in the Texas economy continued in March, with 22,600 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains unchanged at 3.8 percent. March marked the 107th consecutive month of annual growth for total nonfarm employment. March also marks a historic moment for the Texas economy as the Civilian Labor Force reached a record high of over 14- million. Read more about the March labor market in the press release.

April 18, 2019 - TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez Presents $322,033 in Grant Funding to Rio Grande Valley-Area

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission has awarded three individual grants: a $49,900 High Demand Job Training grant to Workforce Solutions Cameron in collaboration with Harlingen Economic Development Corporation; a $155,721 Skills Development Fund grant to Texas State Technical College – Harlingen in partnership with a manufacturing consortium; and a $116,412 Jobs and Education for Texans grant to Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District. Read more about the April 18th grants in the press release.

April 17, 2019 - Manufacturing Distribution Consortium, Grayson College and Texoma Workforce Board Awarded Job-Training Grants Totaling nearly $1.3 Million

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded two individual grants: a $1,194,889 Skills Development Fund grant to Grayson College in partnership with Fisher Controls International LLC, GlobiTech Inc., Presco Polymers L.P., Renlita Custom Opening Solutions and Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. and a $100,000 High Demand Jobs Training grant to Workforce Solutions Texoma.  Read more about the April 17th grants in the press release.

April 11, 2019 - Texas State Technical College West Texas Partners with 3M-Brownwood for $78,771 Job-Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ 3M-Brownwood has partnered with Texas State Technical College West Texas to provide job training using a $78,771 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about the April 11th Skills Development Fund grants in the press release.

April 10, 2019 - Valley Regional Medical Center Partners with Texas State Technical College for $202,162 Job-Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Valley Regional Medical Center has partnered with Texas State Technical College to provide job training using a $202,162 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about the April 10th Skills Development Fund grants in the press release.

April 5, 2019 - TWC Celebrates 51st Anniversary of the Federal Fair Housing Act

AUSTIN – On March 4, 2019, Texas Governor Greg Abbott proclaimed April 2019 to be Fair Housing Month. Read more about Fair Housing Month in the press release.

April 4, 2019 - Innovative Texas Middle and High Schoolers Showcased at 2019 Texas Science and Engineering Fair

COLLEGE STATION - 1,400 of the brightest students in Texas vied for prizes last weekend at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, a competition that brings together top science and engineering fair winners from across the state. Read more about the 2019 Texas Science and Engineering Fair in the press release.

April 4, 2019- Tempur Sealy International Inc. and Igloo Products Corporation Partner with Blinn College for $991,823 Skills Development Fund Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ Tempur Sealy International Inc. and Igloo Products Corporation Partners have partnered with Blinn College to provide job training using a $991,823 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission. Read more about Skills Development Fund Grants in the press release.

April 1, 2019 - Summer Work Program Aims to Connect 2,500 Texas Students with Jobs

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced the kickoff of its 2019 Summer Earn and Learn program that provides students with disabilities, aged 14-22, work readiness training and paid work experience. Read more about Summer Earn and Learn in the press release.

March 29, 2019 - TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Julian Alvarez Presents $262,582 in Grant Funding to Rio Grande Valley-Area

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded three individual grants: a $71,520 High Demand Job Training (HDJT) grant to South Texas College with Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley; a $95,323 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant to Hidalgo Independent School District; and a $95,739 Self Sufficiency Fund grant to Cameron County Education Initiative Inc. Read more about the HDJT, JET, and Self Sufficiency Fund grants in the press release.

March 27, 2019 - Corpus Christi Independent School District (ISD) Receives $282,766 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Corpus Christi Independent School District (ISD) a $282,766 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant. Read more about JET grant in the press release.

March 26, 2019 - Take Charge of Business at the Texas Business Conference in Corpus Christi

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) invites Corpus Christi–area employers, human resource professionals, business owners and managers to attend the Texas Business Conference on April 25-26 at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi. Read more about the Texas Business Conference in the press release.

March 25, 2019 - Alice Independent School District Receives $71,015 Dual Credit, Job-Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Alice Independent School District (AISD) a $71,015 Skills Development Fund grant to purchase new equipment to support an existing Dual Credit Program at Alice High School. Read more about the Skills Development Fund grant in the press release.

March 22, 2019 - Students to Compete at 2019 Texas Science and Engineering Fair in College Station

AUSTIN ⎯ More than 1,400 Texas middle and high school students will present their outstanding projects at the 2019 Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TXSEF). Read more about the 2019 Science and Engineering Fair in the press release.

March 22, 2019 - Texas Adds 17,700 Jobs in February

AUSTIN ⎯ Growth in the Texas economy continued in February, with 17,700 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added over the month. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.8 percent. February marked the 106th consecutive month of annual growth for total nonfarm employment. Read more about the February labor market in the press release.

March 21, 2019- Alvin Community College Receives $243,556 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Alvin Community College a $243,556 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant. Read more about the Jobs and Education for Texans grant in the press release.

March 20, 2019 - The Houston Launch Pad Receives $311,828 Self Sufficiency Fund Grant

AUSTIN - The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded The Houston Launch Pad a $311,828 Self Sufficiency Fund training grant to help 150 individuals transition into the workforce. Read more about the Self Sufficiency grant in the press release.

March 15, 2019 - Digital Workforce Academy Inc. Receives $302,633 Self Sufficiency Fund Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Digital Workforce Academy Inc. a $302,633 Self Sufficiency Fund training grant to help 150 individuals transition into the workforce. Read more about the Self Sufficiency grant in the press release.

March 14, 2019 - TWC Aids Prosecution of Multi-State, Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme

AUSTIN – The Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) investigation of stolen identity in 2017 helped stop a multi-million-dollar unemployment insurance (UI) fraud scheme while preventing payment from TWC of any moneys based on false claims. Read more about TWC's aid in the press release.

March 13, 2019 - Texas Science and Engineering Fair Seeking Judges for 2019 Competition

AUSTIN – More than 1,200 Texas middle and high school students will present their outstanding projects at the 2019 Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TXSEF). The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) continues its commitment to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and the success of tomorrow’s workforce by co-sponsoring the event for the 18th consecutive year with ExxonMobil. Read more about the Fair in the press release.

March 8, 2019 - Finisar Corporation, Baylor Scott & White, and Grayson College Receive Job-Training Grants Totaling $871,501

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Grayson College and Finisar Corporation a $566,261 Skills Development Fund grant. The grant will be used to provide customized training to 235 new and incumbent workers for industry-related topics with focused training that includes project management, wafer fabrication, cleanroom chemical and equipment safety, and Excel. Read more about the Job-Training Grants in the press release.

March 8, 2019 - Texas Adds 15,400 Jobs in January

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas economy saw more positive employment growth to begin 2019, with 15,400 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added in January. After holding at a historic low for five consecutive months, Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly to 3.8 percent. January marked the 105th consecutive month of annual growth for total nonfarm employment. Read more about the January labor market in the press release.

March 7, 2019 - Community Learning Center (C.L.C., Inc.) Receives $252,656 Self Sufficiency Fund Grant

AUSTIN⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded C.L.C., Inc. a $252,656 Self Sufficiency Fund training grant to help 125 individuals transition into the workforce. The grant will help provide job training skills for occupations such as welding, machining, and logistics support. Read more about the grant received in the press release.

March 5, 2019 - Lamar Institute of Technology Joins TWC In Recognizing Students for Texas’ First Ever CTE Signing Day Ceremony.

AUSTIN ⎯ In recognition of the important role that Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum provides in ensuring a skilled future workforce, today marked the first ever CTE Signing Day in the Lone Star State. Read more about the first ever CTE Signing Day Ceremony in the press release.

March 1, 2019 - Trinity Valley Community College Receives $279,139, Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) Grant.

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded Trinity Valley Community College a $279,139 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant. The grant will help the school district purchase and install equipment to provide 255 students with training for careers in the healthcare profession. The purchased equipment will continue to support future students enrolled with Trinity Valley Community College. Read more about how grant will help the school district  in the press release.

February 25, 2019 - Texas Workforce Commission unveils new user-friendly labor market statistics site

AUSTIN- The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) recently launched a new website that will make accessing the agency’s statistics easier. The new site, www.TexasLMI.com replaces TRACER2.com and features a user-friendly dashboard with intuitive navigation. Read more about the new user-friendly labor market statistics in the press release.

 January 25, 2019 - Lone Star College Partners With Manufacturing Consortium for $968,537 Job-Training Grant

AUSTIN ⎯ A manufacturing consortium, consisting of Daikin Industries Goodman Manufacturing Company, LP (Goodman) and Daikin Industries Quietflex Manufacturing Company, LP, (Quietflex), has partnered with Lone Star College to provide job training using a $968,537 Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). The grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast area. Read more about the grant to Lone Star College in the press release.

January 18, 2019 - Texas Employment Growth Continues in December

AUSTIN ⎯ As 2018 concluded, the Texas economy added another month of positive employment growth, with 38,000 seasonally adjusted nonfarm positions added for the month of December. Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7 percent, and has remained at the same historic 43-year low since October 2018. Annual employment growth for Texas was 3.2 percent in December, and marked 104 consecutive months of annual growth. Over the year, Texas has added 391,800 jobs as Total Nonfarm employment reached a new high of 12,744,100. Read more about the December labor market in the press release.

January 17, 2019 - South Texas School Districts Receive Job-Training Grants Totaling $760,485

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded three individual Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants to independent school districts (ISDs): a $271,472 grant to Raymondville ISD; a $208,383 grant to Donna ISD; and a $280,630 grant to Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD. The schools will use the grants to purchase and install equipment necessary to train 779 students for careers in high-demand occupations including welding fabrication and emergency medical services. The grants will benefit students in the Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley area. Read more about the JET grants to Raymondville, Pharr-San Juan-Alamo, and Donna ISDs in the press release.

January 17, 2019 - Take Charge of Business at the Texas Business Conference in Brownsville

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) invites Brownsville–area employers, human resource professionals, business owners and managers to attend the Texas Business Conference on Feb. 8 at the Brownsville Event Center in Brownsville. The conferences offer employers the opportunity to learn about new employment laws, network with peers, talk one-on-one with employment attorneys, and earn education credits. Read more about the Texas Business Conference in Brownsville.

January 11, 2019 - South Texas College Receives Job-Training Grants Totaling Over $1.3 Million for Healthcare and Technology Training

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded South Texas College three individual grants: a $249,096 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant; a $655,153 Skills Development Fund (Skills) grant to a health care consortium; and a $409,890 Skills grant to a manufacturing consortium. The grants will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions areas of Lower Rio Grande Valley, Middle Rio Grande, and South Texas. Read more about the South Texas College Job-Training grants in the press release.

January 7, 2019 - Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Mourns Passing of Executive Director Larry Temple

AUSTIN ⎯ With deep sadness, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announces the passing of its Executive Director Larry Temple, who died Saturday morning at the age of 66. Mr. Temple faithfully served the state of Texas for over two decades, from 1997 until 2019. Read more about Mr. Temple in the press release.

January 4, 2019 -  Take Charge of Business at the Texas Business Conferences

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has announced its 2019 Texas Business Conference schedule with 13 locations available throughout the state. The conferences offer employers and human resource professionals the opportunity to learn about new employment laws, network with peers, talk one-on-one with employment attorneys, and earn education credits. Read more about the TBC Conference in the press release.

December 21, 2018 - Texas' Unemployment Rate Remains at Historic Low 3.7 Percent

AUSTIN ⎯ Texas’ seasonally adjusted unemployment was 3.7 percent in November, remaining at the same historic 42-year low it was in October. The Texas economy added 14,000 seasonally adjusted nonfarm jobs in November. Annual employment growth for Texas was 3.0 percent in November, marking 103 consecutive months of annual growth. Read more about the November labor market in the press release.

December 6, 2018 - Average Unemployment Insurance Tax Rates Decrease for Texas Employers

AUSTIN ⎯ The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) today announced the average unemployment insurance (UI) tax rate for all employers will be 1.25 percent for Calendar Year (CY) 2019, dropping from 1.37 percent in CY 2018 to its lowest point since 2009. The average tax rate for experience-rated employers is 1.06 percent for CY 2019, and is down from 1.20 percent in CY 2018. Read more about the 2019 tax rates in the press release.