Abbott discusses workforce, insurance costs with Laredo small business

February 8, 2026 - 00:00

Governor Greg Abbott held a roundtable discussion with local business owners and government officials in Laredo this week, focusing on the pressing issues impacting the city's small business community. The closed-door meeting served as a forum to identify key obstacles to growth and economic vitality in the region.

Central to the conversation were the intertwined challenges of workforce development and rising insurance costs. Participants detailed the difficulties in finding and retaining skilled workers, a hurdle that stifles expansion for many local enterprises. Alongside this, the escalating expense of business insurance was cited as a significant financial strain, squeezing margins and complicating operations.

Beyond these immediate concerns, the dialogue also expanded to encompass the critical need for sustained infrastructure investment. Reliable transportation networks and modern utilities were underscored as foundational elements for commerce, necessary to support not only existing businesses but also to attract new industry to the Laredo area.

The gathering emphasized the state's ongoing attention to economic conditions at the local level. Officials indicated that the feedback collected will inform policy discussions aimed at fostering a more supportive environment for small businesses, which are widely recognized as the backbone of the Texas economy.