Who We Are

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) strengthens the Texas economy by providing the workforce development component of the Governor's economic development strategy. Texas boasts an incredibly skilled workforce ready to attract enterprise to the Lone Star State. By focusing on the demands of employers, TWC gives Texas the competitive edge necessary to draw business here.

TWC is the state government agency charged with overseeing and providing workforce development services to employers and job seekers. For employers, TWC offers recruiting, retention, training and retraining, and outplacement services, as well as valuable information on labor law and labor market statistics. For job seekers, TWC offers career development information, job-search resources, training programs and, as appropriate, Unemployment Insurance (UI) benefits. While targeted populations receive intensive assistance to overcome barriers to employment, all Texans can benefit from the services offered by TWC and our network of workforce partners.

TWC is part of a local and statewide network comprised of the agency coupled with planning and service delivery provided on a regional level by 28 local workforce boards and the six UI Tele-Centers that TWC operates. This network gives customers local access to workforce solutions and statewide services at more than 240 Texas Workforce Centers and satellite offices.

TWC promotes and supports a workforce system that offers employers, workers and communities across Texas workforce solutions that achieve and sustain economic prosperity.

Major Functions

The major functions of TWC are workforce development, support services including child care for targeted populations participating in workforce training, and administering the UI benefits program. Workforce development includes the oversight and support of an employer-driven, integrated system that consolidates employment, job training, and work-related services including the regulation of career schools.

Through the Labor Market and Career Information Department, TWC provides information and analysis on shifts in occupations and industries within the state.

Funding Streams

Approximately 85 percent of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 TWC budget of $1.1 billion is funded through federal sources. TWC block grants, through allocation formulas, make up approximately $800 million of the total budget that goes to local workforce boards that plan and administer Workforce Investment Act (WIA), (TANF) Choices Employment Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), child care, and other workforce and support services.

Employment Services

Workforce boards also are responsible for strategic planning of universal Employment Services for employers and job-seekers. The integrated workforce service delivery system available to Texans eliminates duplication of effort, maximizes available funds and produces results. Employment Services are administered to the workforce boards, including trade affected workers and training programs, and for the reintegration of adult and youth ex-offenders into the workforce (Project RIO). Through performance-based contracts, TWC monitors and holds the boards accountable for program performance and provides technical assistance as needed.

Unemployment Insurance

The Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, funded through employer taxes, provides temporary, partial-income replacement to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. TWC administers and oversees the collection of taxes from employers and the payment of UI to qualified claimants. TWC also provides a formal appeal procedure when issues surrounding an individual's claim are in dispute or questions arise concerning an employer's tax liability, contribution or reimbursement. Texas employers can receive ready access to their tax account information by registering for Unemployment Tax Services.

Workforce Fast Facts

TWC and the 28 local workforce boards working together have produced significant results.

• Provided training services to more than 65,000 adults, youth and dislocated workers through Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Skills Development Fund grants and other programs.
• Received $50 million for the 2008-2009 biennium from the 80th Texas Legislature for the Skills Development Fund (SDF), an increase of nearly $10 million over the appropriation for the 2006-2007 biennium. Since its inception, more than 3,263 Texas businesses have obtained training for 208,630 new or incumbent workers.
• In FY 2008, SDF grants helped create or upgrade 19,689 jobs, which paid an average hourly wage of $24.29. The grants assisted 148 Texas employers with their customized training needs.
• The Legislature appropriated $3.1 million to the Self-Sufficiency Fund for each year of the FY 2008-2009 biennium.
• Launched the TWC Unemployment Insurance (UI) Debit Card in 2006, providing faster access to UI funds, convenience, and security.
• Verified more than 52,000 work-search contacts in FY 2008.
• Met state and federal participation rates for TANF Choices employment services and reduced the number of welfare recipients by 78 percent since 1995.
• 115,319 children on average per day received child care through local workforce boards in FY 2008.
• 879,728 workers entered employment after obtaining services at Texas workforce centers in FY 2008.
• Recovered nearly $1.4 million in restitution for fraudulent UI cases in 2008.
• Earned for Texans $78.6 million in federal TANF high-performance bonuses related to job placement since 1999.
• Implemented Internet options that allow Texans access to services 24/7/365 on a self-serve basis.
  • Unemployment Tax Registration
  • Unemployment Tax Services
  • UI Apply for Benefits
  • Child Care Attendance
  • UI Employer Response
  • WorkInTexas.com
  • SitesonTexas.com
  • TexasIndustryProfiles.com