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The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is a state government agency that provides unemployment benefits and training programs for the unemployed. It also manages the state’s child care subsidy program.
Agency Functions
The Texas Workforce Commission offers workforce training, adult education and literacy services, as well as services for people with disabilities to obtain training and employment. It maintains an online job-matching system, WorkInTexas.com, that features thousands of openings for jobseekers.
The agency collects and analyzes employment data in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The unemployment benefits program, funded through employer taxes, provides temporary income to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. TWC funds this program through employer taxes. TWC has a formal appeal procedure to address claim issues and employer tax liability, contribution or reimbursement disputes.
TWC’s services for employers include recruitment services, training and retraining, outplacement services, and providing valuable information on employment laws. Additionally, TWC investigates alleged labor law violations, including wage theft and employment discrimination.
Agency Structure
The Texas Workforce Commission is governed by a three-member board appointed by the governor. It includes one commissioner who is meant to represent labor interests, one who represents employers, and one who represents the public.
The commissioners in turn appoint an Executive Director, who oversees the work of the agency’s approximately 4,800 employees.
Structurally, TWC is divided into several departments, including Vocational Rehabilitation, Workforce Development, Unemployment Insurance, IT, Civil Rights, and Regulatory Integrity.
Regional Workforce Boards
TWC heads a statewide network of 28 workforce development boards. TWC provides grants to these boards, which implement various services, including the federal nutrition assistance program (SNAP E&T), child care subsidies, and employment services.
The regional boards help workers find jobs, and help employers hire workers.
The regional boards carry out their own strategic planning. But they are accountable to the TWC through performance-based contracts. TWC oversees these contracts and provides technical assistance to the boards.
Funding
Most of the TWC budget is funded through federal sources under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, Choices, Employment Services, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAP E&T), and child care and other federal programs.
Employer-paid state unemployment taxes also provide a major source of funding. These are used to support state unemployment benefits.
Address and Contact
- Main Office: 101 E 15th St, Austin, TX 78778
- Phone: 512-463-2222
- Email: customers@twc.texas.gov
- Website: https://www.twc.texas.gov/
This article is part of Texapedia, the Encyclopedia of Texas Government.
