Governor Abbott Touts Texas Jobs Council During Gulf Coast Visit

Governor Abbott Touts Texas Jobs Council During Gulf Coast Visit

April 16, 2026 | Crosby, Texas
| Press Release

Tours International Union Of Operating Engineers Training Center

Governor Greg Abbott today touted the mission of the Texas Jobs Council to strengthen the state’s talent pipeline, emphasizing the critical role of career training to meet the state’s growing workforce demands. The Governor also toured the International Training & Education Center, the flagship training facility of the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE), the most comprehensive training center for union Operating and Stationary Engineers in North America.

"The training and skills learned by workers like those behind me are helping ensure Texas has the best workforce in the nation," said Governor Abbott. “Texas parents want their children to have a good paying career in the future. The Texas Job Council is delivering on that by equipping our current workforce with the resources they need to enhance their skills and develop premier job training at high schools, colleges, and apprenticeship programs. All of us are united by a shared mission to keep Texas the best state in America for doing business, the number one state in America for jobs, and ensure great careers for generations of Texans."

During his remarks, Governor Abbott highlighted the importance of aligning workforce training with the needs of Texas employers and ensuring Texans are prepared to fill high-demand, good-paying jobs. He noted that Texas continues to lead the nation in workforce development and pointed to the state’s top ranking for the most business relocations and expansion projects and for being named the Best Business Climate in the nation. Additionally, Governor Abbott also recognized IUOE for their leadership in training skilled workers and their contributions to building a workforce capable of supporting Texas’ continued economic growth.

Over the past two years, the state has invested more than $7 billion in career training programs across Texas. Last year, Governor Abbott signed House Bill 20 and House Bill 120 into law to expand career and technical education opportunities for students across Texas by establishing partnerships with institutions of higher education and improving college and career advising.

The Governor was joined by Representative Briscoe Cain, Council Co-Chair and Texas Association of Business Interim President Megan Mauro, IUOE Assistant Director of the Construction Training Department Tom McNamara, IUOE local 450 Business Manager Mark Maher Jr, and other business and labor leaders.

Last month, Governor Abbott launched the Texas Jobs Council and hosted its inaugural meeting at the Governor's Mansion. 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 The Council will deliver a final report in November 2026 outlining recommended executive actions and legislative proposals to strengthen Texas’ workforce development system.

Additional photos of the event will be provided here when available.