To The Leader

 

AUSTIN, Texas – The Texas Legislature has approved $1.1 million in funding for the Professional Truck Driving Academy at Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT). Currently, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers are in high demand in Southeast Texas. Jobs that require a Commercial Driver License (CDL) are the number one job posting in our communities, but employers are unable to successfully hire enough skilled and qualified workers to fill these positions. The additional $1.1 million in funding that was approved in the state’s budget will allow for LIT to more than double the amount of students who are accepted into the truck driving program every year.

“I commend the work of Chairman Zerwas and the members of the House Appropriations Committee for their work on crafting the state budget. The Lamar Institute of Technology provides critical workforce training for Southeast Texans and I am proud of the work that was done to secure funds to support the Professional Truck Driving Academy,” said Representative Dade Phelan. “This will allow more Texans to receive the training they need to join the workforce and will help to meet the demands of this growing industry.”

Representative Phelan is serving his third term in the Texas House of Representatives. He proudly serves House District 21, representing both Jefferson and Orange Counties. He serves as the Chairman of the House Committee on State Affairs