TX Governor Newsroom

Texas Named Best State for Business 22nd Consecutive Year

Texas has been ranked the Best State for Business for a record 22nd consecutive year by Chief Executive magazine, based on an annual survey of CEOs, presidents, and business owners. Preliminary estimates from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show the Texas economy expanded to $2.9 trillion in 2025 with 2.5% growth, leading the nation.

Governor Abbott Awards $1.7M Career Training Grants to Southeast Texas Schools

Texas Workforce Commission awarded six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,777,641 to schools in Southeast Texas. Recipients include Brazosport College, Hitchcock ISD, Kountze ISD, Lamar Institute of Technology, San Jacinto Community College, and West Sabine ISD. The grants will fund equipment for career and technical education programs training approximately 410 students for occupations including information security analysts, nurses, and welders.

Texas Economy Hits Record $2.9 Trillion, 2025

The Office of the Texas Governor released a press release celebrating preliminary BEA data showing the Texas economy reached $2.9 trillion in current-dollar GDP for 2025, up from $1.59 trillion in 2015. The state's economy grew 2.5% adjusted for inflation, faster than the national rate. Texas ranks as the eighth-largest economy globally, having grown 46% in real terms over the 11-year period.

Governor Abbott Touts Texas Jobs Council During Gulf Coast Visit

Governor Greg Abbott toured the International Union of Operating Engineers Training Center in Crosby, Texas, to highlight the Texas Jobs Council's workforce development mission. The Governor noted that Texas has invested over $7 billion in career training programs over two years and recognized IUOE for its leadership in training skilled workers. The announcement emphasized aligning workforce training with employer needs and ensuring Texans are prepared for high-demand jobs.

Governor Abbott Receives Sun And Star Legacy Award

Governor Greg Abbott received the 2026 Sun and Star Legacy Award from the Japan American Society of DFW at their Awards Gala in Irving, Texas. The award recognizes his leadership in strengthening economic and cultural ties between Texas and Japan. The Governor highlighted Japan as Texas' seventh-largest trading partner with over $25.9 billion in annual trade and noted Japanese companies have launched more than 140 investment projects in Texas over the past decade supporting tens of thousands of jobs in advanced manufacturing, energy, and life sciences.

Texas Opens $1B TEFA Applications for Education Freedom Accounts

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that applications are now open for the Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program, administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. The program, established by Senate Bill 2 signed in May, provides $1 billion in funding for the 2026-2027 school year, making it the largest day-one launch of an education savings account program in the country.

Governor Abbott Backs Texas Sheriffs at Inaugural NCTSC Meeting

Governor Greg Abbott attended and spoke at the inaugural meeting of the North Central Texas Sheriff's Coalition in Runaway Bay, Texas. The Governor expressed support for Texas sheriffs, highlighted their role in border security, and referenced recent public safety legislation including the strongest bail reform package in Texas history.

Appoints Three to Texas State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners

Governor Greg Abbott appointed Tiffany Barrett, Mourad Hasbaoui, and Heather Jackson to the Texas State Board of Physical Therapy Examiners for terms expiring January 31, 2031. The Board licenses and regulates the practice of physical therapy in Texas. These appointments fill positions on the state regulatory board that oversees practitioner licensure and practice standards.

Texas Jobs Council Launched At South Plains College

Governor Greg Abbott highlighted the newly launched Texas Jobs Council during a visit to South Plains College's automotive technology and welding facilities. The Council aims to strengthen Texas' workforce pipeline by aligning workforce development efforts to ensure Texans fill new employment opportunities. The state has invested over $7 billion in career training programs in the past two years.

Governor Abbott Encourages $1B Water Grant Applications Due July 30

Governor Abbott announced over $1 billion in grants available through the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) Water Supply and Infrastructure Grant (WSIG) program. Applications are due by July 30, 2026. The grants are funded by $20 billion in water infrastructure investment authorized by SB 7, HJR 7, and HB 500, which also allows TWDB to provide 100% grant funding for eligible projects.