The Texas workforce is a resilient and undervalued asset that plays a crucial role in driving the state’s economy forward. Despite facing unprecedented challenges, Texans have demonstrated remarkable resilience in reaching historically high levels of employment, even after the COVID-induced recession. The labor of working Texans fuels our titan economy, and it is essential that job conditions fully recognize the significant contributions we make to our state’s economic abundance.
Texans, both native-born and immigrant, have shown resilience in rebuilding our robust economy with the help of people-centered federal investments. Stimulus checks, improved unemployment benefits, and enhanced tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit were instrumental in aiding the recovery process. However, beneath this overarching success lies a tale of unevenness and disparity, particularly for Texans in rural areas, communities of color, women, and low-paid workers.
State policies should support job conditions that enable workers to balance work and family responsibilities. State leaders can expand shared prosperity by guaranteeing a living wage, providing access to work apprenticeships, and supporting Texans to take time off to care for their families. Additionally, the state should invest in the well-being of our most vulnerable residents – children, people with disabilities, and the elderly – by increasing caretaker wages and reducing child care subsidy waitlists. This approach fosters economic security for families and boosts state tax revenue for essential services like healthcare, education, and food access.
In June 2024, Texas hit a record-high employment of 14.7 million, showcasing the resilience of the state’s workforce. Despite rapid job loss during the pandemic, Texans surpassed pre-pandemic employment levels in just two years. This rapid economic recovery was made possible by unprecedented investments from the federal government, which provided crucial relief for working families and individuals. Key support measures such as stimulus checks, enhanced unemployment benefits, and boosted tax credits played a pivotal role in preventing severe financial struggles.
In addition to people-centered investments, consistent population growth has contributed to the state’s stellar job recovery. Texas is the fourth fastest-growing state in the country, with significant growth fueled by both natural increase and migration. This demographic diversity is reflected in Texas families, with a significant percentage of native-born Texans living with at least one immigrant parent.
In conclusion, the Texas workforce is resilient and undervalued, and it is crucial that state leaders champion dignified jobs for the well-being of families. By supporting job conditions that enable workers to balance work and family responsibilities, guaranteeing a living wage, and investing in the well-being of vulnerable residents, Texas can continue to thrive and ensure shared prosperity for all its residents.