Abbott Announces Four JET Grants to Invest in 'Future of Texas'

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R) recently announced $1.2 million in Jobs and Education for Texans (JETS) grants.

The four grants will go to four North Central Texas schools and help the schools purchase and train students to be professionals in fields like architecture and engineering.

“Investing in the future of Texas starts by equipping our young students with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand industries,” said Gov. Abbott.

“These career training grants will help ensure Texans have the tools they need to prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow and thrive in our state's booming economy. I thank the Texas Workforce Commission and these North Central Texas schools for their ongoing support in building a robust workforce,” said Abbott.

“Jobs and Education for Texans grants are helping to train thousands of Texans who will contribute to the success of our economy,” said TWC Chairman Bryan Daniel. “The Lone Star State will continue to play a major role in the global economy thanks to the evolving skills of our workforce.”

Much of Abbott’s recent legislation has been focused on the fight surrounding his controversial immigration law, SB 4. SB 4 took a major hit after a federal appeals court refused to put the legislation back in effect.

Texas Republicans have repeatedly pushed for Abbott’s bill. However, the recent 2-1 ruling that came at the hands of a conservative appeals court makes it seem extra unlikely that the law will ever go into effect—a major blow for the Texas governor.

“For nearly 150 years, the Supreme Court has held that the power to control immigration—the entry, admission and removal of noncitizens—is exclusively a federal power,” wrote Chief Judge Priscilla Richman.

Richman continued, “Despite this fundamental axiom, SB 4 creates separate, distinct state criminal offenses and related procedures regarding unauthorized entry of noncitizens into Texas from outside the country and their removal.”

SB 4 has been criticized for its harsh and “inhumane” treatment of migrants. The bill allows police officers to search those they deem to be illegally in the U.S. and arrest them. Furthermore, the Supreme Court has spent time addressing the questions about the bill’s constitutionality.

Critics and legal experts have challenged SB 4 for its potential to cause racial profiling. Some have questioned if the bill oversteps state powers, as some argue deportations are to be administered by the federal government.