Resources for Employers

• Texas Employer Hotline: Call 1-800-832-9394 (M–F, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.) for expert guidance on employment law questions, or email employerinfo@twc.texas.gov.
• Office of the Commissioner Representing Employers: Access a free hotline for employers, the Texas Guidebook for Employers, Texas Employer Webinars, the Texas Business Today newsletter, the Texas Intern Network, and Texas Conferences for Employers.

Tax Incentives - Your business can save money when employing workers who are qualified participants of some programs. For more information, contact businessservices@ruralcapital.net. The following are examples of tax credits or refunds available:

• Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) - Can provide up to $2,400 per eligible worker.
• State of Texas Tax Refund - Can provide up to $2,000 per eligible worker.

Workforce Solutions Rural Capital Area, in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, offers free fidelity bonding to help at-risk job applicants secure employment. This insurance protects employers from employee dishonesty (larceny, theft, embezzlement) when applicants cannot be bonded elsewhere.

Program Features:

• Free coverage for the first 6 months; employers may continue coverage afterward.

• $5,000 standard coverage amount with no deductible.

• No forms or processing; coverage is active almost immediately.

Eligibility:
Available to justice-involved individuals, those with poor credit or substance abuse history, public assistance recipients, disadvantaged youth, dishonorably discharged veterans, and anyone denied commercial bonding.

Requesting a Bond:
Applicants or employers can request bonding through any WSRCA Workforce Center. Coverage begins immediately upon certification or the first day of work. Bonds are issued for 6 months and can be renewed once; employees may eventually become permanently bondable.

• Labor Market & Economic Data: Explore Texas labor market reports, profiles, and research. Visit Texas Workforce Commision - Labor Market Information Program
• Rural Capital Headlight: Access demographic, economic, and workforce data for the nine-county Rural Capital Area.

Help bridge the gap between education and industry. There are many ways you can make a meaningful impact:

• Get involved with schools: Work-Based Learning For Employers
• Explore opportunities: Find out how you can contribute—Download Employer Toolkit to learn more.

When businesses close plants or lay off workers, Texas Workforce Solutions can provide immediate on-site services to assist workers facing job losses. Rapid Response provides early intervention assistance designed to transition workers to their next employment as soon as possible. Rapid Response services are tailored to each company, based on the needs of the affected employees. For more information, visit: Rapid Response

• ADA Questions & Answers (ADA Q&A): Learn how to properly accommodate employees with disabilities and ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Provides guidance and answers to questions about workplace accommodations for employees with disabilities.
• Disability.gov, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC.gov), and the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP): Offer resources to help employers build inclusive workplaces and remain compliant with federal regulations.

A partnership between the Texas Workforce Commission, Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), the Texas Internship Challenge connects students with paid or for-credit internships and encourages employers to offer these opportunities. Colleges are also encouraged to promote internships and offer academic credit.

Employers and students can visit the website, www.TxInternshipChallenge.com, and explore or post internship opportunities.