History of The Initiative
Governor Greg Abbott established the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative in March 2016, when he tasked the commissioners of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) to work together on five initial charges centered on developing strong links between education and industry, with the goal of helping Texas grow in economic prosperity.
Tri-Agency Timeline
2015
The THECB released the 60x30TX plan, which outlined four state goals to reach by 2030 to increase college completion and workforce readiness.
2016
Governor Abbott established the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
The first Tri-Agency Report was published with recommendations.
2019
House Bill 3 was signed into law, transforming school finance in Texas, including a focus on improving college, career, and military readiness and funding for career and technical education (CTE). Governor Abbott charged the Tri-Agency with implementing this legislation.
The Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative formed the Texas Regional Pathways Network’s steering committee.
2020
Governor Abbott issued new charges to be addressed by the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.
The Tri-Agency published a progress report .
2021
Governor Abbott signed three bills into law supporting the Tri-Agency’s collaboration. House Bill 3767 formalized the Tri-Agency and called for aligned workforce goals and strategies. Senate Bill 788 formalized a data-sharing template. Senate Bill 1230 established the Texas Commission on Community College Finance to make recommendations for the 2023 legislative session.
2022
The Building a Talent Strong Texas plan was adopted, which expands on the successes and progress of the THECB’s previous plan, 60x30TX.
The Tri-Agency released the Tri-Agency Strategic Framework for Work-Based Learning Report.
2023
House Bill 8 was signed into law, paving the way for a transformation of the community college funding model.
