Texas Challenged by Nursing, Trucker Shortage

Texas has the fourth-lowest nurse-to-population ratio in the country, with only 9.25 nurses per 1,000 residents, according to a recent report by the comptroller’s office.

The state’s aging population, along with the COVID-19 pandemic, has put increased pressure on all categories of nursing. The largest shortage of registered nurses and licensed vocational nurses is occurring in inpatient hospital settings and nursing homes.

“COVID-19 has really increased the shortage,” said Texas Board of Nursing’s executive director, Kathy Thomas. “Nurses are walking out. They’re worn out, they’re burned out and they’re stepping away from their jobs.”

Job shortages are also taking place in the trucking industry, which moves 72% of U.S. domestic freight, according to the American Trucking Associations.

A shortage of commercial truck drivers is contributing to increasing supply chain issues. John Esparza, chief executive officer of the Texas Trucking Association, said it will reach 160,000 drivers by the end of the decade.

“We are losing a generation of drivers, and we aren’t replacing them with a generation of potential drivers that is large enough,” he said.

Texas is home to nearly 200,000 commercial truck drivers, the most in the nation. The median wage in the state for truck drivers is $47,000.

Turnover is extremely high, according to Ken Tidwell, dean of San Jacinto College’s workforce development program, which offers a commercial driver’s license program that is invariably full.

Wildlife Recovery Act

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department says the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act now being considered in Congress could bring $50 million to the state to protect wildlife, restore land and provide the state’s residents more way to enjoy the outdoors.

“The litany of ways natural resources bolster the Texas economy and improve our quality of life is seemingly endless,” said Carter Smith, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

“While it would do much to protect fish and wildlife that need it most, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would also mean a long-term investment in the public health and well-being of all Texans, as well as stewardship of our home ground,” Smith added.

TPWD is urging the public to contact their representatives in Congress to support the legislation.

The bill would provide $1.4 billion nationwide in dedicated annual funding, according to TPWD. It would come from existing revenues.

The Texas outdoor recreation economy generates 327,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in state and local tax funds, according to the Outdoor Industry Association.