The United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce is calling on our members, partners, and community leaders to support House Bill 3844 by Representative Villalobos, which will be heard by the Texas House Subcommittee on Workforce on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at 8:00 AM in Room E2.012.

This important piece of legislation would formally define “Opportunity Youth” in Texas law — young people between the ages of 16 and 26 who are not currently enrolled in school, working, or pursuing postsecondary education.

Why This Matters

Passing HB 3844 would create a strong foundation to better serve and reengage a significant, yet often overlooked, population in our state. Here’s why it’s important:

✅ Unlock Access to Funding: By creating a formal definition in Texas law, communities like ours can better compete for critical state and federal grants aimed at supporting youth education, workforce training, and reengagement efforts.

✅ Strengthen Workforce Development: Reengaging disconnected youth builds a stronger, more skilled workforce — directly supporting local businesses and driving regional economic growth.

✅ Promote Community Stability: Youth who are connected to education and employment are more likely to contribute positively to their communities, helping to reduce public costs and improve overall quality of life.

✅ Support Local Efforts: Right here in Corpus Christi, programs like Elevate 361 are working to reconnect over 10,000 Opportunity Youth. HB 3844 would provide critical policy support to expand and sustain these local efforts across Texas.

How You Can Help

✔️ Submit a Public Comment in Support of HB 3844

Let your voice be heard! Submitting a public comment is quick and impactful.
👉 [Submit Your Comment Here]

Suggested Public Comment:

“I support HB 3844 because defining Opportunity Youth in state law is critical to building a stronger workforce, accessing important funding streams, and creating clear pathways for disconnected young Texans. Recognizing Opportunity Youth is a smart investment in our future economy and the prosperity of communities like Corpus Christi.”

✔️ Attend the Hearing in Austin

If you’re able to be in Austin, please consider attending in person to show your support.
🗓️ Tuesday, April 29, 2025
🕗 8:00 AM
📍 Texas Capitol – Room E2.012

✔️ Watch the Hearing Live

Tune in via livestream if you can’t make it in person!
📺 [Watch Live Here]

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Together, we can open new doors for Opportunity Youth across Corpus Christi, the Coastal Bend, and the entire state of Texas. Your voice matters. Thank you for helping us advocate for a stronger, more prosperous future!