Today, the Office of the Governor announced the launch of the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program. This grant was established by the Legislature with the passage of SB 8, which I co-authored, during the Third Called Special Session. This bill allotted $180 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to be awarded to businesses in tourism, travel, and hospitality industries across Texas. Applicants in the following industries are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $20,000: arts, entertainment, and recreation; food services and drinking places; traveler accommodation; RV parks and recreational camps; traveler arrangement and reservation services; convention and tradeshow organizers; breweries; wineries; and distilleries. Please join me in sharing this information with those in our communities who may be eligible to apply for these grants.

Governor Abbott Announces Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program Applications Opening for $180 Million of Grant Funding for Tourism, Travel, and Hospitality Businesses in Texas For Immediate Release: July 5, 2022 AUSTIN ─ Governor Greg Abbott and the Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism today announced the opening of applications, beginning July 6, for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR) established by Senate Bill 8 and signed into law by the Governor following the 87th Legislative Session to administer $180 million of funds received from the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The purpose of the TTIR program is to provide grants for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted due to COVID-19. “Travel and tourism is a critical component to both the state and local economies,” said Governor Abbott. “Visitor spending at Texas destinations brings new money into communities and spurs local job creation across industries in every region of the state. After a decade of record expansion where 1 in 10 Texas jobs were supported by tourism, the travel industry was among the hardest hit by the pandemic. While direct travel spending in Texas is recovering at a faster rate than national averages, allocating these grant funds paves the way for a more prosperous, brighter future for all Texas communities.” The TTIR program will support the Texas tourism, travel, and hospitality industry by making grant funds available to businesses negatively impacted by COVID-19. Applicants in the following industries are eligible for a one-time grant of up to $20,000: arts, entertainment, and recreation; food services and drinking places; traveler accommodation; RV parks and recreational camps; traveler arrangement and reservation services; convention and tradeshow organizers; breweries; wineries; and distilleries. The TTIR program application requires all applicants to submit supporting documents along with their application to demonstrate compliance with grant and eligibility requirements. The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism will host a series of webinars for specific industry groups to provide more information and answer questions on the application process and the TTIR program: ·    Breweries, Wineries, Distilleries, Travel Arrangement & Reservation Services, Convention & Trade Show Organizers, and RV Parks & Recreational Camps Webinar – Tuesday, July 12, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT ·    Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation Webinar – Thursday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT ·    Traveler Accommodation Webinar – Thursday, August 11, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT ·    Food Services and Drinking Places Webinar – Thursday, September 1, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., CT To register for the webinars and for eligibility and grant application details, deadlines, and more, visit: https://ttir.gov.texas.gov The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism is tasked with marketing and promoting the state of Texas as a premier business location and travel destination.

Yesterday, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was appointed to the Senate Special Committee to Protect All Texans. The committee is charged with studying five areas: school safety, mental health, social media, police training, and firearm safety. Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I want to thank the Lt. Governor for appointing me to this committee to do the critical work of ensuring all Texans can safely live their daily lives. The most important responsibility of government is to keep its citizens safe. Sadly, the recent mass shootings have shown that we have work to do to meet this responsibility, and I am ready to get to work to find real solutions that make our schools, churches, grocery stores, and neighborhoods safe for everyone.

Every issue identified as a focus for this committee is an important area that merits a robust discussion on what more we can do to prevent future mass shootings. We must make schools safer. We must do more for mental healthcare, not just when someone is in crisis, but to prevent crises altogether. We must ensure social media is being used responsibly and that police have the proper training to quickly respond if a shooting takes place. And we must implement policies to prevent firearms from falling into the hands of those who would use them as tools of unthinkable destruction instead of personal protection.

I recognize that this is a process that will invite intense discussion from many viewpoints. However, it is my hope that we can arrive at thoughtful solutions to keep our communities safe and mitigate mass shootings.” 

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation, and Special Committee to Protect All Texans.

Austin, TX – Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa wants to remind everyone of the upcoming sales tax holiday for water efficient products intended to encourage water conservation. This Memorial Day Weekend, beginning Saturday, May 28 through midnight on Monday, May 30, Texans can purchase water conservation products and/or a WaterSense product without paying a sales tax.

In 2015, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa authored and passed SB 1356 to add water efficient products to the already existing tax free weekend for energy efficient products to incentivize consumers statewide to make smart choices in conserving water. Water efficient products save consumers money and reduce consumption rates for our state’s valuable water resources, which are even more valuable in the event of a drought.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Water conservation is critical to protecting our planet. Everyone needs this limited resource, and the best way to ensure there is sufficient supply is for everyone to conserve as much as they can. Texas is no stranger to droughts, which have traumatic effects on people’s lives and severely impact the state and local economies.

I’m proud to have passed legislation to help our families statewide get a tax break as they do their part to conserve water and utilize water efficient products. This tax free weekend is estimated to save our hard-working Texans almost $14 million in state and local sales tax. We hope to raise public awareness about the importance of water conservation through this tax free weekend highlighting the steps that Texans can take to make smart water choices in an effort to have more water available during times of drought.”

Tax free items include shower heads, a soaker or drip-irrigation hose, mulch, plants, trees, and grasses, rain barrels, a moisture control for a sprinkler or irrigation system, and others. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. The following link to the Texas Comptroller’s webpage will provide more information:

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1018.php

Rising property taxes are something we all feel on an annual basis. These taxes have continued a painful increase for too long and our families are burdened with paying a property tax bill that sometimes feels like a second mortgage. Texans need meaningful property tax reduction, and this May we will vote on two constitutional amendments that if approved will provide tax relief. I was proud to co-author both of these proposals passed during the 2021 special sessions and will continue to advocate for additional property tax relief in the future.

The first item on the ballot, Proposition 1, allows for school property taxes to decrease year after year for homeowners who are disabled or 65 or older. This fixes an oversight from 2019 legislation that reduced property taxes but excluded these homeowners from this reduction because their tax rates were frozen.

Current law puts a ceiling in place for these taxpayers, and their school property taxes cannot rise above that for as long as they are in their home. However, the ceiling for these homeowners cannot be adjusted downward either. Proposition 1 fixes this error by adjusting the ceiling downward to reflect the new ceiling at the lower amount anytime tax rates are lowered.

The second proposition on the ballot, Proposition 2, makes a serious down payment on decreasing property taxes for all homeowners by increasing the homestead exemption from $25,000 to $40,000. This follows an increase in the homestead exemption, which I also co-authored and the voters approved in 2015, from $15,000 to $25,000. Just like in 2015, this increase in the homestead exemption will lower the amount of your home’s value subject to school taxes – the largest share of property tax bills.

If approved, Proposition 2 will save Texans over $350 million in 2023; a number which will only increase in subsequent years. These savings will be made up by the state and have zero effect on the funding for our schools.

Texas is blessed to have a strong robust economy to help cover these costs. However, we must also recognize that we were able to not only balance the budget but walk away with a surplus thanks to federal stimulus dollars provided in the American Rescue Plan.

I hope you will join me in supporting both of these overdue propositions and provide real property tax relief to Texans. You work hard to earn your money, let’s keep more of it in your pocket. You can vote early on these propositions from Monday, April 25th through Tuesday, May 3, and Election Day is Saturday, May 7th.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; and Transportation.

AUSTIN — Recently, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (TPWC) approved a Local Parks Grant for the City of Robstown’s “Robstown Swimming Pool.” The City of Robstown received a $41,250 grant for the re-plastering and retiling of the swimming pool. This grant was a part of the $12.5 million awarded by TPWC to help create and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities. Funding for the Local Parks Grant comes from a portion of the state sales tax attributable to sporting goods and from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Stateside Assistance Program.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am pleased that the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission has approved a Local Parks Grant for improvements to the Robstown Swimming Pool. The funds will help the City of Robstown meet its recreational needs and improve the quality of life for their residents. Local parks are a vital part of creating a livable community. I applaud Robstown officials for applying for this grant and for their efforts in improving their community.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; and Transportation.

Austin, TX – Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa wants to remind Texans that the Texas Sales Tax Holiday on Emergency Preparation Supplies is coming up soon. Beginning Saturday, April 23 through midnight on Monday, April 25, Texans can purchase emergency supplies and hurricane-proofing materials without paying a sales tax.

This sales tax break is thanks to Senate Bill 904, which was authored and passed by Senator Hinojosa in 2015. Under this legislation, Texans will be better able to prepare themselves for severe weather events like winter storms, hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Sadly, in recent years natural disasters have become more and more frequent and intense across Texas. Due to climate change, these disasters are likely to continue and even worsen.

I was proud to pass legislation in 2015 that makes it easier for families across Texas to purchase the supplies necessary to be ready for any disaster their communities might face. I urge all Texans to have an emergency preparedness plan and ensure you have all the supplies necessary to keep loved ones safe during an emergency. Despite our inability to prevent disasters from occurring, we are able to be as prepared as possible.”

Tax free items include certain portable generators and hurricane shutters, as well as smaller emergency and storm preparedness items such as weather radios, rope ladders, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits. There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. A full list of emergency preparation supplies can be found on the Comptroller’s website:

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php

Austin, TX – The American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas (ACEC Texas) presented Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) with the Champion of Infrastructure Award for his work on behalf of Texas engineering firms during the 2021 Texas Legislative Session.

The Champion of Infrastructure Award recognizes elected officials who support the engineering community by promoting policies that encourage infrastructure development and create a fair, business-friendly environment in the State of Texas. The award recipients are chosen by the members of the ACEC Texas Public Policy Council (PPC).

Senator Hinojosa worked with ACEC Texas and several stakeholders in the design and construction industry to pass legislation that would uphold our laws on the appropriateness of energy savings performance contracts (ESPC) and remove unintended loopholes in procurement statutes to protect the public.

“Prior to the legislative session, there were instances of ESPCs being used in ways outside their original intended purpose, which unfairly altered the public procurement process,” stated ACEC Texas President Peyton McKnight. “Senator Hinojosa recognized this problem and worked with stakeholders to pass legislation that would enforce EPSC laws as originally intended and close loopholes to prohibit abuse of these contracts.”

“I’m honored to receive the Champion of Infrastructure Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies of Texas,” said Senator Hinojosa. “Our engineers play a key role in building infrastructure, creating jobs, and growing our economy and our state. I look forward to continue working with ACEC Texas and supporting legislation that protects taxpayers and keeps Texas strong.”

ACEC Texas is the business association of Texas engineering firms. The organization is committed to advancing the private practice of consulting engineering, enhancing markets for private engineering services, educating the public on the importance of infrastructure investment, and promoting sound business practices within the industry and its client base.

On March 29, 1973, the last remaining members of the United States armed forces withdrew from Vietnam and returned home. To commemorate this day, in 2009, I passed legislation to designate March 29 as Texas Vietnam Veterans Day. Eight years ago, on this day, we dedicated the Texas Capitol Vietnam Veterans Monument to welcome home our Texas Vietnam Veterans. This beautiful monument on the northeast grounds of the Capitol honors the loyalty and the courage of those Texans who served in Vietnam.

The Vietnam war was a controversial and unpopular war, where over 58,000 American soldiers lost their lives, and many others were MIA or POWs. It was a war that we as a country did not understand. We often confused its unpopularity with the courage and valor of our soldiers. Because of this, many of us never felt welcomed upon our return home to our own country.

Many of us Vietnam Veterans, still remember the rice paddies and jungles of Chu Lai, Da Nang, Huề, Khe Sanh, and of course Saigon to name a few. Every day of my life as I enjoy my freedom, I am grateful and reminded of my fellow Marines in Vietnam. In Vietnam, we created a family away from home. We were all Americans; we were united. We stood together ready to fight and die for our country — our freedom. We were all the same despite our different races, religions, backgrounds and cultures, and states of residence. We were all the same then, and continue to be the same now. We understood that our diversity represented what makes our country a great nation — The United States of America!

But who were these soldiers in Vietnam? Many of us were volunteers, and many were drafted without a choice. Many were taken away from their families to fight a war in an unknown place. Those soldiers were us — our brothers and sisters, our fathers and mothers, our neighbors, and our friends. They courageously answered the call to serve our country, and many died for our freedom and the freedom of others. Vietnam taught our country a lesson, one that I hope we never forget — and that is — always honor and respect our soldiers, their sacrifice and courage, whether fighting in Afghanistan, Iraq, Vietnam or other wars. Throughout our nation’s history, it is our servicemen and women and their families who sacrifice and stand committed to defend our country.

This Texas Vietnam Veterans Day, I hope you join me in honoring our Texas Vietnam soldiers and remember the 3,417 Texans who lost their lives in Vietnam. I will be remembering all my fellow servicemen including three of my high school classmates: Jesus Martinez, Walter Merle Langford, and Leonel Buntello. I hope that as long as we honor and remember our soldiers’ sacrifice, they will always be with us in memory and spirit.

Semper Fi. God Bless our country.

Senator Hinojosa proudly co-authored House Concurrent Resolution 36 during the 79th Legislative Session in 2005 authorizing a Vietnam Veterans War monument on the Capitol grounds. Senator Hinojosa then worked to secure funding through a legislative rider in 2011 by obtaining a $500,000 matching grant towards the installment of this historic monument. 

Finally, Senator Hinojosa passed legislation in 2009 to declare an official day of recognition specifically for Vietnam Veterans. On March 29, 1973, the last remaining members of the United States armed forces withdrew from Vietnam; thus, March 29 has been declared “Vietnam Veterans Day.”

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa received the Gold Star Award from the Texas State Aquarium, its highest honor, in recognition of his contributions to the Aquarium over the past several legislative sessions.

As Vice Chair of Senate Finance, in 2015 Senator Hinojosa was able to help the Aquarium receive $9 million for the Caribbean Journey expansion, which nearly doubled the Aquarium’s indoor exhibit space. Along with the Coastal Bend delegation, he then helped build on this investment in 2019 by securing $500,000 for the construction of the Aquarium’s new Wildlife Rescue Center. The delegation continued their support for the Aquarium this session by obtaining $500,000 for the operation of the Rescue Center and a dedicated $3 million for the Aquarium’s Wildlife Research with federal stimulus dollars passed by the Biden administration.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“The work done by the Texas State Aquarium is nothing short of amazing. We all saw the incredible impact they had during Winter Storm Uri in helping protect and rehabilitate sea turtles, but their impact on our community has not stopped there. Their new state-of-the-art Rescue Center will both provide life-saving care to coastal wildlife and educate veterinary students.

Beyond the direct impact the Rescue Center will have on wildlife, it is also a teaching tool for visitors to learn about what they can do to protect our birds and sea life. Thousands of people visit the Aquarium every year and have the opportunity to learn about coastal wildlife and understand our role in preserving and protecting this critical ecosystem.

I am honored to receive this recognition from the Aquarium, but the true honors belong with those doing this important work for our community. I will continue to advocate for the Aquarium to ensure they are able to maintain their critical contributions to our Coastal Bend community.”

Austin, TX — Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced new interim assignments for multiple Senate committees which include the appointment of Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa as Vice Chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am honored that Lt. Governor Patrick has entrusted me with the important responsibility of serving on the Senate Finance Committee as Vice Chair. I look forward to re-joining this committee and working with Chair Joan Huffman and the committee members to meet the financial needs of our state while keeping taxes low to benefit our Texas families and ensure our state’s continued prosperity.

Texas has the 9th largest economy in the world and despite the ongoing COVID challenges, our revenues have continued to outperform expectations. That said, we will continue monitoring situations around the world, inflation, and supply chain issues that can change our budget outlook at any time.  

I am fully committed to using my experience and knowledge of the budget process to continue prioritizing funding for education, health care, infrastructure, public safety, growing our economy and creating jobs. I will also continue advocating for and ensuring the needs of South Texas are put at the forefront of critical discussions and negotiations.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Jurisprudence and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; and Transportation.