New Grads, New Horizons
What to know: The fastest growing jobs for college students are construction, utilities and mining—all of which require no college degree in the first place.
The TPPF take: The “college for all” mantra is losing its appeal.
“In this shifting landscape, the Texas State Technical College System (TSTC) offers a proven solution: technical training that meets the state’s urgent workforce needs and delivers high-paying jobs with minimal debt,” says TPPF’s Jorge Borrego. “Unlike traditional universities, TSTC focuses exclusively on technical education, aligning its programs with the demands of Texas’ dynamic economy. Since the pandemic, enrollment in technical degrees across Texas has increased 7%, exceeding pre-COVID peaks.”
For more on TSTC, click here.
Powering the Future
What to know: The Texas legislature just passed HB 14 which proposes a framework to support the development and deployment of advanced nuclear reactors in Texas (similar to recent legislation being debated in Louisiana), and is now on its way to Governor Abbott’s desk.
The TPPF take: Texas should also lead the way on developing small modular reactors (SMRs).
“Wind, solar, and batteries cannot be built in sufficient quantities to meet our growth over the next decade, which means there is an urgent need to build more reliable and scalable electricity generation capacity,” says TPPF’s Brent Bennett. “The smaller size, modular design, and advanced fueling capabilities of SMRs make them prime candidates for further integrating nuclear power into the fuel mix.”
For more on small, modular nuclear reactors, click here.
Protecting America
What to know: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins—the former President of TPPF—has issued an update on her agency’s work to battle the screwworm, a fly-borne cattle disease, in Mexico—before it comes to America again.
The TPPF take: If left unchecked, the screwworm could decimate American cattle, horses, and wildlife.
“And once it’s here, eradicating it could take decades and cost billions,” says TPPF’s Melissa Ford. “The last time it happened, our livestock industry took 30 years to bounce back. Thankfully, the U.S. is not taking any chances and has responded swiftly and decisively.”
For more on the screwworm, click here.