Staff Reports
Texas quietly handed Democrats another reminder that a pro-growth, low-tax approach still moves the needle. The Texas Workforce Commission released its September labor-market estimates this week and state leaders — from Governor Greg Abbott to the comptroller’s office — were quick to trumpet a simple point: Texas is adding more jobs over the year than the nation as a whole. So let’s look at the numbers, the pitch from Austin, and what it really means for Texans.
What the TWC numbers actually say
The Texas Workforce Commission reported 14,461,300 nonfarm jobs in the state after a small monthly dip of 11,100 jobs. Over the past 12 months, Texas added 154,300 jobs — a 1.1% annual growth rate that TWC says outpaces the national rate by 0.8 percentage points. The civilian labor force grew by about 15,800 people over the month, to roughly 15.95 million. Manufacturing led monthly private‑sector gains (+4,700 jobs) while government services trimmed payrolls. Yes, the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is a touch higher than the national rate; that’s one reason you should read beneath the headline.
Officials point to training and talent
JET grants, HireAbility, and career fairs
Governor Greg Abbott and TWC leaders used this report to push recent workforce moves — notably more than $20 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants and statewide hiring events like Hiring Red, White & You! and the Texas HireAbility campaign. TWC Chairman Joe Esparza called the gains “balanced” across industries and credited targeted training. It’s a fair argument: when you help people get the right skills, businesses have fewer excuses and more hires. Conservatives should celebrate investments that teach skills rather than expanding dependency on government checks.
Reality check: short‑term data can wobble
Before the applause track starts in Austin, remember monthly payroll figures are volatile and subject to revision. The BLS routinely updates prior months. Also, Texas’ unemployment picture is uneven. Midland posts very low jobless numbers while some border metros still face higher rates. So yes, Texas can tout outpacing the national growth rate — but responsible observers note the caveats and watch the trend, not the press release.
Why this still matters for voters and business
Put plainly: policy choices have consequences. Since Governor Abbott took office, Texas has added millions of jobs and average weekly wages hit record highs in recent data. That’s not luck. It’s the result of a state that cuts red tape, pushes workforce training, and courts investment. Republicans should use this success to argue for expanding skills programs and sensible business policies. And Democrats who prefer top‑down control should explain why their plan would do better — voters aren’t seeing that plan on the ground. Celebrate the gains, but watch the next few months. Growth is welcome, but happy talk alone won’t keep it steady.
