The Texas Department of Agriculture will stop awarding eligible department-administered grants to businesses that employ H-1B visa holders, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller announced, urging Governor Greg Abbott and other statewide elected officials to introduce similar restrictions across their agencies.
“Governor Abbott has publicly declared that taxpayer-funded employment should prioritize Texans.
I agree—and now it’s time to turn that principle into action,” Miller said. Miller said public money should support businesses that create opportunities for people already living and working in Texas. “We’re not going to turn a blind eye to how taxpayer money is used,” he said, adding that every dollar should serve the public interest.
Earlier reporting noted: If you hire H-1B, you won’t get grants: Texas Agriculture Department’s new rule for businesses; ‘Taxpayers work hard for their money’ Businesses employing H-1B workers won’t get certain agricultural grants in Texas. Earlier reporting noted: Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller has announced that businesses employing H-1B visa holders will no longer be eligible for certain grants administered by the Texas Department of Agriculture, in a move aimed at prioritising local workers in the use of taxpayer money. “Texas taxpayers work hard for their money.
Miller announced the policy on October 28, saying public funds should support businesses that create opportunities for Texans rather than companies that rely on temporary foreign workers.
The policy aims to ensure that taxpayer-funded grants support businesses creating employment opportunities for Texas residents rather than companies relying on temporary foreign workers, the department said in an announcement. Miller said businesses receiving public funding should demonstrate a commitment to employing local workers and investing in Texas communities. They deserve to know that their tax dollars are being used to create opportunities for Texans—not to subsidize businesses that choose foreign labor while Texans are ready and willing to work,” Miller said. Miller said taxpayer-funded grants should strengthen local communities and reward companies that invest in the state’s workforce.
Earlier reporting noted: “Texas taxpayers work hard for their money.
