Texas Back to Work

Overview

Initiated by Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) Commissioner Tom Pauken and adopted by the Texas Legislature, Texas Back to Work (TBTW) is a statewide employment initiative that offers employers monetary incentives of up to $2,000 for hiring qualified out-of-work Texans. TBTW is funded by the Texas Legislature, promoted by Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and administered by TWC.

"Texas employers are standing strong during tough economic times. Businesses, small and large, can earn Texas Back to Work incentives to expand their operations and offer new opportunities to unemployed Texans," said Lt. Gov. Dewhurst.

Texas Back to Work is available to employers through Workforce Solutions offices, which also provide employers with workforce recruitment assistance, pre-screening of qualified applicants and training programs.

"With the help of Gov. Perry, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst and Texas Legislative leaders, we want to help people get back to work by helping employers defray part of the cost of wages and on-the-job training," said Commissioner Pauken.

Initial funding was provided to put an estimated 7,500 Texans back to work. Additional funds have since been added and, as of September 2011, over 19,000 job seekers and almost 4,000 employers have benefited from the program.

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Program Details

Private sector employers with a valid TWC tax ID and who are current on all payroll taxes qualify for participation. There are local restrictions in some areas. Each of the 28 Texas Workforce Development Boards (Board) drives the project in its region.

• The program provides a $2,000 incentive to employers for each qualified Texan hired and retained 120 days.
• Employers must have the intent to retain the employee full time at the end of the contract period.
• Employers train, develop and oversee the new employees with the intent of retaining the employee after the 120-day period.
• Employers receive an incentive from the local Board in each of the four months employees are enrolled in the program.

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Employer Feedback

"Valuable programs like Texas Back to Work exemplify the progressive vision of our leaders and make Texas a great place to do business." – Will Newton, Texas Executive Director, National Federation of Independent Business

"Texas Back to Work allows our workforce to diversify to populations that have previously been untapped, while also providing flexibility and allowing us discretion in fulfilling our growing and changing needs." – Tory Parker, Vice President of Manufacturing, Lauren Engineers & Construction Inc.

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