Texas Labor Market and Job Growth Update - December 2025

Texas added 19,700 nonfarm jobs in December 2025, bringing the annual total to 132,500 jobs. The state's unemployment rate was 4.3 percent, and the civilian labor force reached a record high. The report highlights growth across various industries, particularly Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.

Texas Workforce Commission Recognizes Career and Technical Education Month

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February 2026. The TWC is highlighting the value of CTE programs and students preparing for technical careers, supported by initiatives like the Dual Credit and Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant programs.

Texas Job Training Grant for Tekscend Photomask

Governor Abbott and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) announced a Skills Development Fund grant of over $163,000 to Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area. This grant will fund customized training for 66 new and current workers at Tekscend Photomask Round Rock Inc. for high-demand occupations in machinery manufacturing.

Texas Workforce Commission Launches Child Care Business Support Initiative

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has launched a new initiative to provide business coaching and training to child care providers across Texas. This program aims to help licensed or registered child care programs improve operations, financial management, and staff supervision.

Illinois Labor Opposes Federal Minimum Wage Rollback for Home Health Workers

The Illinois Department of Labor has formally opposed a proposed federal rule by the U.S. Department of Labor that would roll back minimum wage and overtime protections for home health care workers. Illinois argues this action would undermine worker protections and create national inconsistencies.

Illinois Labor Department Recovers $2.7M in Wages and Enforces Worker Protections

The Illinois Department of Labor recovered approximately $2.7 million in unpaid wages and enforced various worker protection laws in 2025. Key actions included settlements with GrapeTree Medical Staffing and solar companies, enforcement of the Paid Leave for All Workers Act, and ensuring compliance with minimum wage and prevailing wage laws.

Illinois VESSA Amendment Protects Workers Documenting Violence on Work Devices

The Illinois Department of Labor has issued a reminder about Public Act 104-0171, an amendment to the Victims’ Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA). This new law protects employees who use employer-provided devices to document violence affecting themselves or their families, prohibiting employer discipline or retaliation for such use. The amendment took effect on January 1, 2026.

IDOL Files Wage Theft Complaint Against Chicago Restaurant

The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has filed a wage theft complaint against That’s Gino and Marty’s restaurant and its owners in Cook County Circuit Court. The complaint alleges violations of the Illinois Wage Payment and Collection Act and the Illinois Minimum Wage Law, seeking over $20,000 in unpaid wages for at least nine employees.

Freeport Public Works Achieves SHARP Safety Designation

The Illinois Department of Labor announced the City of Freeport Public Works Department has achieved Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) status. This designation recognizes employers with exemplary injury and illness prevention programs and exempts them from programmed OSHA inspections.

Florida Awards $167.5M for Rural Infrastructure Improvements

Governor Ron DeSantis announced $167.5 million in awards to improve infrastructure in 34 Florida rural communities. The funding, from the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery and Rural Infrastructure Fund, will support recovery from 2023-2024 storms and enhance long-term resilience.