Jasper board member advocates for higher-paying jobs to combat local poverty

During the recent JEDCO meeting held on June 3, 2025, in Jasper, Texas, a passionate discussion emerged regarding the need for higher-paying job opportunities in the community. A board member expressed frustration over the current job market, emphasizing that many available positions do not offer wages sufficient to lift residents out of poverty.

The member highlighted the challenge of attracting businesses that can provide competitive salaries, stating, “If I can bring somebody here that'll pay $15.20, $25 an hour, man, I'll be going all over the country trying to bring those people in.” This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the local economy, where nearly 30% of the population lives in poverty and relies on government assistance.

The discussion also touched on the types of jobs being created, with specific reference to Sun Bistro, which plans to hire high school students. The board member pointed out that these positions often do not meet the financial needs of families struggling to make ends meet. “If you cannot offer them a job that pays a wage that is more than they're receiving through a government check, they will never get off of the help that they're receiving,” he argued.

The meeting underscored the urgent need for strategic efforts to attract businesses that can provide living wages, which is essential for improving the economic landscape of Jasper. As the community grapples with high poverty rates, the focus remains on finding solutions that will create sustainable job opportunities for residents.

Moving forward, the JEDCO board will need to consider how to effectively engage potential employers and develop initiatives that not only create jobs but also ensure those jobs pay a wage that supports families and fosters economic growth in Jasper.