State Senator César J. Blanco Passes Bill to Help Young Adults in West Texas Get Back to School and Work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Contact: Taylor Sanchez   
Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov  

PRESS RELEASE
C@R'S TESTIMONY
BILL LANGUAGE

Austin, Texas – The Texas Senate has passed Senate Bill 1143, authored by Senator César J. Blanco, to help reconnect young adults in West Texas with education, job training, and career opportunities.

In Texas, nearly 14% of young people between the ages of 16 and 24 are not in school and not working—a rate higher than the national average.

These young adults, often referred to as “opportunity youth,” face serious barriers to getting ahead. In rural and border communities like El Paso and West Texas, where job access and
support services are already limited, those barriers are even harder to overcome. SB 1143 closes that gap by improving how the state and local workforce boards plan, track, and coordinate efforts to support these young people.

 

Senator Blanco issued the following statement:

“There are too many young adults in West Texas who want to work or go back to school but don’t have a clear path forward. Most of them don’t lack talent. They lack opportunity.

This bill is about opportunity and giving our youth a brighter future. SB 1143 helps workforce development boards focus on reconnecting these young people with the resources they need to succeed, whether that’s job training, a GED program, or help finding their first job.

If we want a strong workforce tomorrow, we can’t afford to leave young people behind today. This bill gives local workforce boards better tools to support them and makes sure we’re measuring what works so we can continue supporting young adults in Texas.”

Mandi Kimball, Chief Government Relations Officer for Children at Risk issued the following statement:

“Children at Risk extends our sincere thanks to Senator Blanco for championing SB 1143, a vital step forward in strengthening workforce development across Texas.

This important legislation will increase the state’s ability to track and understand how federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth program funds are being utilized to re-engage disconnected youth and prepare them for long-term success in the workforce. By providing greater insight and accountability, SB 1143 will help ensure that young Texans aged 16 to 24 receive the support and opportunities they need to thrive. This legislation represents a meaningful investment in the future of our youth and a strategic win for the Texas economy.”

The bill now heads to Governor Abbott’s desk for final signature.

For further information, please contact Taylor Sanchez at Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov.   
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