The Senate Business & Commerce Committee held a hearing Tuesday, April 10 to discuss interim charges relating to the licensing of occupations, workforce training programs, and from state agencies under their jurisdiction.
Alan Steen of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission praised the legislature’s recent increase in import fees on alcohol and tobacco at the Mexican border. Brian Lloyd of the Public Utility Commission of Texas briefly addressed new rules being published in order to implement legislation from the 82nd Session. Trip Doggett of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas also testified, reassuring the committee that although energy resources will be tight for the next few years, if the weather remains accommodating, Texas should be able to avoid rolling outages.
The committee heard testimony from Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and others regarding the benefits of licensing some occupations as well as the hazards of licensing others.
Finally, the committee heard testimony from industry and educational leaders that focused on the workforce shortage the state will be facing upon the retirement of the baby boomers. Testimony provided echoed the same sentiment – preparing every student for post-secondary education is unrealistic and wasteful; career and technical education is a growing necessity and should be more available to high school students.