CEO/President of Longview COC Kelly Hall with Justin Coppedge, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations Texas 2036, at the recent State of the Economy luncheon.

How new Texas laws shape the East Texas business landscape.

Story and photos by Joycelyne Fadojutimi

Justin Coppedge, the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Texas 2036, keynoted the recent Longview Chamber of Commerce “State of the Economy Luncheon”. TX2036 is a nonprofit and nonpartisan organization focused on improving the state’s future as it approaches its bicentennial in 2036.

He spoke on the recent legislative session that has noteworthy impact on the East Texas economy. For brevity and clarity here are the key points:

Water Infrastructure Investment: The legislature approved an initial $2.5 billion investment in Texas’s water infrastructure, addressing long-term needs in water supply and quality. This investment is crucial for ensuring water availability for various sectors, including agriculture and manufacturing, which are vital for East Texas.

Redefined Educational Goals: The state’s funding bill now explicitly states that the purpose of public education includes ensuring that students graduate with the necessary skills and credentials to enter the workforce directly, as well as being prepared for post-secondary education without the need for remediation.

Enhancing Teacher Quality: The legislation includes provisions for better teacher preparation and enhanced instructional materials to improve educational outcomes.

Tailored Credentials for Rural Areas: Coppedge discussed a “credential of value” designation. There’s a move towards developing credentials specific to regional needs, enabling educational institutions to align their programs with local workforce demands. This tailored approach supports economic development in rural communities like those found in East Texas.

Prison Education Initiatives: He discussed efforts in prison higher education, indicating that individuals who leave prison with skills and credentials are less likely to re-offend. Hence, legislative support has improved educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals in Texas, allowing them to earn provisional occupational licenses while still in prison and become eligible for dual credit programs.

Support for Technical Colleges: Coppedge mentioned the importance of funding, particularly an endowment for Texas State Technical College, which serves as a vital resource for developing a skilled workforce in rural areas.

These points emphasize a comprehensive approach to aligning education with the economic landscape, ensuring that individuals are adequately prepared for the job market upon graduation.

Workforce Development: A focus on education was evident, with an increase in funding for public education and the introduction of workforce-aligned credentials. This aims to equip students graduating from high schools in East Texas with necessary skills, targeting local job market demands.

Housing Affordability: The legislative changes also aimed at addressing housing affordability, which is critical as median home prices in Texas have surged. Ensuring affordable housing can help retain a skilled workforce, which is essential for local businesses in East Texas.

Healthcare and Childcare Improvements: The session also targeted improvements in healthcare affordability and access to childcare, laying foundations for a stable workforce. These measures can attract and retain families in the East Texas area.

Legislative sessions have winners and losers.

“As we see the progress made this session and we’re excited about it in a lot of areas, we also know that there is a tremendous amount more left to do.”

Justin Coppedge – Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Texas 2036.

The legislative session appears to have left certain groups and issues unaddressed, leading to some potential “losers.” Here are key points highlighting those negatively impacted:

Energy Production: There were some advancements in energy policy, particularly around natural gas, and nuclear energy, but the expected progress was not fully realized. This lack of comprehensive energy strategy may leave some sectors vulnerable, particularly as demands increase from areas like data centers and manufacturing.

Public Education: While there were increases in funding and a shift in focus towards aligning education with workforce needs, challenges remain, especially in improving the overall educational outcomes. The push to redefine education metrics might not benefit all students equally.

Housing Affordability: With a significant rise in housing prices (40% increase in five years), many families have found it increasingly difficult to afford housing. Efforts to address this have been inadequate, particularly for those in lower-income brackets.

Childcare and Regulation: The complexity of regulatory frameworks impacting childcare providers has not been fully resolved. The inability of multiple agencies to coordinate effectively continues to pose challenges for operators.

Local Communities: Smaller or rural areas may feel neglected as funding and policy focus tend to prioritize more populous regions, thereby perpetuating economic disparities.

Incarcerated Individuals: Despite some improvements, significant obstacles remain in providing education and rehabilitation opportunities within the prison system. There’s a significant waitlist for educational programs in prisons, suggesting a need for better alignment and resources.

These points suggest that while there were some advances during the session, many ongoing issues persist that could adversely affect various groups and communities in the state.

In essence, the legislative session introduced policies that could enhance the economic landscape in East Texas by investing in critical infrastructure, education, and workforce development while also addressing housing needs. This combination is poised to foster sustainable growth in the region.