Greg Abbott Credits Low Taxes and Workforce Investment for Economic Surge

Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) celebrated Texas’ continued economic momentum after new labor data showed the state added 40,100 nonfarm jobs in January, bringing total employment to an all-time high of more than 14.3 million.

For Gov. Abbott, these numbers represent more than just statistics. They highlight years of sustained economic expansion driven by policies that emphasize low taxes, light regulation, and investment in education and workforce development.

“Texas is where free enterprise flourishes and opportunity abounds,” Abbott said in a statement. “That’s why Texas is a magnet for innovative businesses seeking to invest with confidence and grow across diverse industries.”

He credited the state’s “Best Business Climate in America” and continued improvements in public education, career training, and infrastructure for creating the foundation that allows job creators to thrive. “No state is better positioned to sustain growth,” he claimed.

Recent Data

According to the Texas Workforce Commission, the state’s workforce reached nearly 16 million people at the start of 2026, with about 15.3 million Texans currently employed, including the self-employed.

Over the past year, Texas added more than 112,000 jobs, outpacing the national average.

Abbott also reflected on the state’s economic appeal during a recent fireside chat at the Forward Fort Worth mobility innovation summit. There, he highlighted Texas’s pro-business approach and continued leadership across industries, from technology and energy to manufacturing and logistics.

“Almost any industry that you can think of, Texas is already leading in,” Abbott said. “If you are not in Texas, this is the safest place to build your business and raise a family. If you’re not here yet, get here quickly.”

With Texas continuing to set job records month after month, Abbott framed the latest report as proof that the state’s mix of pro-business policies and workforce investment remains the driving force behind its economic vitality, a momentum he said Texans can expect to continue throughout 2026.