A construction crew works on cable buses for a new DataBank campus in Red Oak, May 12. Texas workers in construction outpaced all but one industry in growth over the last year, according to the labor bureau.
Angela Piazza / The Dallas Morning News
Data centers
Regarding “Greg Abbott calls for prohibition on data centers in rural Texas,” (June 30): Just a few months ago, Gov. Greg Abbott was Texas’ biggest data center cheerleader. Standing alongside Google’s CEO in November 2025, he celebrated a $40 billion investment and declared Texas “the epicenter of AI development.” State officials had handed the industry over $1 billion in annual tax breaks—and Abbott couldn’t have been more thrilled.
Fast forward to this summer, and the governor has executed one of the most brazen political about-faces in recent memory.
Article continues below this ad
On June 10, Abbott suddenly demanded lawmakers “repeal sales tax exemptions and other outdated or unnecessary incentives for data centers”—the very breaks his administration helped create. Then, on June 30, he went further, calling for a ban on AI data centers in rural Texas neighborhoods.
“We must eliminate the tax break they are getting,” Abbott declared. Never mind that his own policies lured them here in the first place.
This isn’t principled leadership — it’s political survival. With reelection looming and bipartisan backlash against data centers boiling over, Abbott is scrambling to distance himself from an industry he once embraced. His campaign spokesperson insists this “tracks with his June 10th letter,” but that’s spin. The man who once dangled tax exemptions like candy now rails against them as if he had nothing to do with it.
Texans deserve a governor with convictions, not a weathervane spinning with every political breeze.
Article continues below this ad
Jobs of the future
Regarding “Houston among four pilot cities for new Meta training jobs program,” (June 8): As a small business owner in the technology sector, I spend a lot of time thinking about the future workforce.
Much of the conversation around artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers tends to focus on the buildings themselves — the space they occupy, the electricity they consume and the resources they require. Those are important discussions. But the future of AI is about more than infrastructure. It’s about people — the next generation of workers who will build, maintain and power the technologies shaping our future.
The AI economy creates opportunities not only for software developers and technology professionals, but also for small businesses, skilled trades and blue-collar workers. Data centers require electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, construction workers, security professionals and countless other skilled workers to build and operate.
Article continues below this ad
The demand is substantial. Industry estimates suggest more than 300,000 skilled workers will be needed to support AI infrastructure development across America.
For Houston, that means real opportunities for workers, families and local businesses. It means more jobs, more economic activity and more pathways into rewarding careers that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree.
That’s why programs like the new Workforce Academy are so encouraging. Free training and guaranteed job opportunities are exactly the kind of investments that help Texans develop in-demand skills while strengthening our workforce.
Texas has always succeeded by embracing innovation while creating opportunities for hardworking people. As the AI economy continues to grow, we should welcome data center investments that create lasting careers and help more Texans participate in the future we’re building.
Massey Villarreal, CEO and President of Precision Task Group
Article continues below this ad
Birthright citizenship
Regarding “Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship, rejecting Trump’s limits,” (June 30): As the son of immigrants from Mexico who never became American citizens, I am heartened by the Supreme Court ruling upholding Birthright Citizenship. No doubt Republicans will not give up on this issue. It underscores the fear that permeates the GOP about demographic changes happening in America. Historically, America has been viewed as an overwhelmingly white and Christian — that is non-Catholic — country with a Black minority. That is no longer the case, and it is troubling to many in the GOP. Fear, fear, fear. “Be afraid” is the GOP stock in trade. What happened to former President Ronald Reagan and the “Shining City on a Hill?”
Gonzalo Martinez, La Porte
I think the Supreme Court got it wrong and did so knowingly out of fear of political ramifications surrounding the specter of retroactive application of their ruling if they’d agreed with President Donald Trump.
To me, it’s obvious that Congress in June of 1866 passed the 14th Amendment (Section 1) to provide citizenship to newly emancipated slaves and their children and nothing more. It’s equally obvious to me that the phrase “and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” was intended to mean something.
Article continues below this ad
If anyone present within our borders falls within the meaning of this phrase, then it has no meaning. Yet Congress not only included the phrase but also set it apart with commas for emphasis.
I think the only sensible reading of this phrase — and the way to give it meaning — is to read it as “not subject to the jurisdiction of any other nation” or “not a citizen of any other nation.” This phrase, properly interpreted, would eliminate birthright citizenship from everyone within our borders who was not previously a US citizen, other than slaves.
I think the Supreme Court got this one wrong, but the robe I’m expecting from Amazon is still on backorder, along with the Armchair General uniform I need to help set policy in the Iran conflict, so I guess I’ll just have to accept what those in power have decided.
National anthem
Regarding “The American national anthem has flaws. Why I still choose to sing it. “ (July 1): I think this column got it right. Regina Lankenau’s message makes me think of two fundamental truths. First, we are not finished. The quest is not over. Our journey towards fulfilling our aspirational goals continues. We haven’t completely fulfilled those goals, but we have made considerable progress. It is short-sighted to say our efforts are over and we have failed.
Second, history is a valuable teacher. We should consider our present situation in light of what has gone before. Her comment about Americans leaving the country “the minute things get shaky” made me think of this. Our country’s history is full of conflict, strife and disappointments. Things we must endure and conquer; our crucible, so to speak. The promises of our country are not easily obtained. We must continue to overcome, and I believe we will.