The House Committee on International Relations & Economic Development

87th Legislature

May 19, 2022

11:00 a.m.

E2.012

Pursuant to a notice posted on May 10, 2022, the House Committee on International Relations & Economic Development met in a public hearing and was called to order by the chair, Representative Button, at 11:05 a.m.

The initial quorum call was answered as follows: Representatives Button; and Ordaz Perez.

A quorum was present for the sole purpose of taking testimony, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.

(Representatives Morales, Christina, Beckley, Gamez, and Hunter participating virtually, pursuant to Rule 4, Section 16A.)

(Representative Canales now present.)

The Committee heard invited testimony on the following interim charges:

Agency Oversight

Monitor the agencies and programs under the Committee's jurisdiction and

oversee the implementation of relevant legislation passed by the 87th

Legislature. Conduct active oversight of all associated rulemaking and

other governmental actions taken to ensure the intended

legislative outcome of all legislation, including the following:

· HB 619, relating to developing a strategic plan to support the child-care workforce;

· HB 1792, relating to the evaluation of child-care providers participating in the Texas Rising Star Program;

· HB 2607, relating to the powers and duties of the Texas Workforce Commission and local workforce development boards regarding the provision of childcare and the subsidized childcare program;

· HB 3767, relating to measures to support the alignment of education and workforce development with state workforce needs, including the establishment of the TriAgency Workforce Initiative; and

· SB 1555, relating to establishing reimbursement rates for certain child-care providers participating in the subsidized childcare program.

Economic Recovery

Monitor the state’s economic recovery and identify obstacles impeding the

state’s economic recovery. Examine the economic impact of inflation on

both employers and employees. Examine global supply chain disruptions on

state commerce and the flow of trade at Texas ports. Explore opportunities

to attract businesses to Texas that have outsourced elements of

their supply chain to foreign countries.

Workforce

Evaluate labor shortages and Texas’ unemployment numbers. Identify

initiatives within the Texas Workforce Commission to expand job training

and apprenticeship opportunities to help meet labor demands. Identify

opportunities to increase outreach and information regarding career

development.

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Ordaz Perez in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

(Representative Button in chair.)

Testimony taken/registration recorded.  (See attached witness list.)

At 1:49 p.m., on the motion of the chair and without objection, the meeting was adjourned subject to the call of the chair.

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Rep. Button, Chair

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Victoria Smith, Clerk