Yesterday, the Texas Transportation Commission announced an $8 million grant to the Rural Economic Assistance League, Inc. (R.E.A.L. Inc.) for the construction of a maintenance facility in Alice. This funding, which is part of the Federal Transit Administration program includes state resources to support public transportation needs in rural areas of Texas.

Among those present at the Texas Transportation Commission meeting were R.E.A.L. Chairman and Jim Wells County Clerk J.C. Perez, III; R.E.A.L. Executive Director Gloria Ramos, R.E.A.L. Director of Transportation Management Martin Ornelas-Mata, and Jim Wells County Judge Pete Trevino.

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa expressed his support for this funding, stating, “I commend the leadership of R.E.A.L.’s board of directors, their staff, and our local public officials for their tireless efforts to secure funding from TxDOT. It is important for the Coastal Bend region to have safe and reliable transportation options and the necessary facilities to meet the needs of our communities. I have consistently supported the funding from TxDOT to make R.E.A.L.’s projects a reality. I am grateful to the staff at TxDOT and the Texas Transportation Commission for their investment.”

To date, TxDOT has contributed nearly $2 million for R.E.A.L.’s planning and design phases, $12 million for the construction of a multi-modal and administration/operations facility, and now an additional $8 million for the maintenance facility. In total, this amounts to nearly $22 million in funding for R.E.A.L.

On Wednesday, the Texas Senate took a significant step forward in the fight against dementia by passing Senate Bill (SB) 5 and Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 3, both authored by Senator Joan Huffman. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who co-authored these bills, expressed his strong support for the potential establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).

Senator Hinojosa stated, “There are few bills that we will pass this session that will have as significant of an impact for future generations as these dementia bills. This program is modeled after the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), and we have seen how that research has transformed cancer treatment for patients. I appreciate Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for making this issue a priority and Senator Huffman for her leadership and commitment.”

SB 5 would establish DPRIT to focus on accelerating research into dementia and related disorders, enhancing innovation, and ultimately improving the health of Texans. With the alarming rise of dementia diagnoses—especially among Hispanic populations—this initiative is crucial. “Dementia is not just a medical issue; it’s a personal one that affects families and communities. We must prioritize research and resources to ensure that all Texans have access to the best possible care and support,” Senator Hinojosa added.

SJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment that would transfer $3 billion in state funds to the Dementia Prevention & Research Fund, ensuring funding for the next ten years, with a limit of $300 million in appropriations per fiscal year. This fund will support research into the causes, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of dementia, creating high-quality jobs and attracting top researchers to Texas.

Currently, approximately 400,000 Texans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the costs associated with care are substantial, with Texas Medicaid expenses estimated to be nearly $4 billion in 2024. Additionally, research indicates that Hispanics will continue to experience a steep increase in dementia diagnoses among all racial and ethnic groups, yet they are underrepresented in clinical trials.

Senator Hinojosa emphasized, “DPRIT is designed to make Texas a leader in combating dementia. In the RGV we have the UTRGV Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research. This center will benefit from DPRIT and the significant investment of $3 billion. These funds will speed up research to help us learn more about this terrible disease, how we can prevent it, and eventually cure it.”

The establishment of DPRIT marks a historic commitment to improving the quality of life for those impacted by dementia and ensuring that Texas remains at the forefront of medical research and innovation. The bills are now in the Texas House for consideration.

Last week, the Texas Senate passed several bail reform bills that were priorities for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and were declared Emergency Items by Governor Greg Abbott. The bills—SJR 1, SJR 5, SB 9, and SB 40—were all authored by Senator Joan Huffman.

In her opening statement on the Senate floor regarding SJR 1, Jocelyn’s Law, Senator Huffman emphasized the legislation’s significance by sharing the tragic story of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Houston who was strangled and killed by two men accused of entering the country illegally. She stated, “These two men were not denied bail for the murder of Jocelyn, even when the preponderous of the evidence that existed at arrangement, and the fact that their illegal immigrant status presented a major flight risk. This is just unacceptable in our state.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, a co-author of the bills, highlighted the importance of these reforms, stating, “These bills are important to help keep dangerous and violent criminals from being released into our communities on improper bonds, where they could potentially commit more crimes. These reforms will help protect our families and our communities.”

During the Senate floor debate, Senator Hinojosa referenced a recent case from his district in Jim Wells County, where a repeat offender who, while out on bond awaiting trial for murdering his wife, subsequently murdered his 80-year-old mother. He stated, “This is a real-life example of the failures in our judicial system. As legislators, we must take action to correct these abuses, especially concerning violent criminals.” His comments highlighted the urgency for reform and the need for a judicial system that prioritizes public safety.

The bills passed by the Texas Senate and now under consideration in the Texas House include:

·     SJR 1 – Mandates the denial of bail for illegal immigrants accused of felony offenses upon a finding of probable cause.

·     SJR 5 – Grants magistrates the authority to deny bail to individuals accused of serious crimes, including sexual offenses, violent offenses such as murder or aggravated assault involving a deadly weapon, and continuous trafficking of persons.

·     SB 9 – Transfers the authority to set initial bonds for specific high-risk defendants—such as those on parole, repeat felony offenders, and individuals charged with violent crimes or detained under immigration holds—from hearing officers to a Presiding Judge accountable to voters. This bill also expands the list of offenses ineligible for personal bond to include unlawful firearm possession, violations of family violence protective orders, terroristic threats, and murders related to fentanyl distribution. Additionally, SB 9 enhances transparency in reporting by charitable bail organizations, prevents magistrates from altering bonds set by district courts, mandates judicial appearances before felony bonds are set, and introduces a new appeal process for prosecutors to challenge insufficient bail.

·     SB 40 – Prohibits political subdivisions from using public funds to bail out offenders through charitable bail organizations.

Senator Hinojosa reiterated, “Providing protection to the public from violent individuals is a priority.” These bills are now headed to the Texas House for further consideration. If passed by the House, the voters will have a chance in November to approve the constitutional amendments.

Last week, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved the request from the Nueces County Water Control and Improvement District No. 3 (District) for $9,304,876 in financial assistance consisting of $2,410,000 in financing and $6,894,876 in principle forgiveness from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund for the planning, design, and construction of a water system improvements project.

Currently the District’s water system is under review by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for failing to comply with containment requirements. The system is experiencing water losses exceeding 25 percent, as the water distribution system consists of aging, leaking, and undersized waterlines. The proposed project will replace approximately 10,000 linear feet of undersized, aging, and leaking small diameter water lines with new lines, helping to reduce water losses. Additional valves and hydrants will be installed as necessary. The project will also install an Automatic Meter Reading system, replacing approximately 3,532 existing manual read meters. These improvements will ensure a safer and more reliable water supply for the District and the River Acres Water Supply Corporation. The project is scheduled to end its planning phase January 31, 2026, and begin construction the following year.

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“This funding from the TWDB is an important step in improving water infrastructure for the residents in the District. Given the current water scarcity in the region, it is unacceptable for a water system to be losing more than 25 percent of its supply due to inefficiencies and leaks. Replacing old, leaking pipes and installing automatic meter readers will help us conserve water and make it easier to detect leaks. I commend the WCID # 3 Board of Directors and their staff for working with the TWDB to secure this funding and for their commitment to improving water infrastructure for the benefit of our families.”

Yesterday, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 4 and Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 2, which I joint-authored with Senator Paul Bettencourt. These bills are once again priorities for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and Governor Greg Abbott, who has declared property tax relief as an Emergency Item. This allows the legislature to act on this issue before March 14, the 60th day of the session.

SB 4 and SJR 2 would provide more property tax relief to Texas homeowners by raising the homestead exemption to $140,000. This increase is expected to save the average homeowner approximately $500 annually. It is also estimated that 49% of homeowners across the state will not have a school tax bill if the homestead exemption is increased to this amount.

SB 4 works in conjunction with Senate Bill 1, the General Appropriations Act, authored by Senator Joan Huffman, which reduces school district tax rates by 6.8 cents. This reduction will yield an additional savings of $133.13 for the average homestead property owner. The bill also safeguards the exemptions for homeowners over 65 and for disabled individuals, which means they get an additional $10,000 increase to their homestead exemption. Importantly, it includes a hold-harmless provision, ensuring the state will fully cover any funding shortfalls for Independent School Districts resulting from the increased exemption. There were 5.5 million students enrolled during the 2023-24 school year.

In 2015, I supported legislation that approved an increase of the residence homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000. This was followed in 2021 by another increase, approved by voters, raising the exemption to $40,000. In 2023, the exemption was further increased to $100,000.

If passed, SJR 2 will allow voters to raise the residence homestead exemption to $140,000. Both bills, SB 4 and SJR 2 are now under consideration in the Texas House.

Following the Senate’s passage of these bills, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa stated:

“I was honored to joint-author these important bills and appreciate Senator Bettencourt’s efforts and Lt. Governor Patrick’s leadership in raising the homestead exemption to $140,000. Despite the significant property tax relief we have provided in the past two sessions, rising property taxes remain a top concern for many Texans. High property taxes burden homeowners and businesses, making it harder for families to afford their homes and hindering economic growth. These bills, if passed by the Texas House and approved by voters, will continue to deliver much-needed tax relief and allow homeowners to keep more money in their pockets.”

On Friday, the Texas Senate Finance Committee heard testimony from the Texas A&M University System, including the presidents of all A&M Universities. Chancellor John Sharp, who last year announced his retirement for later this year, attended the hearing to present his final priorities and funding requests after serving as Chancellor since 2011.

During the hearing, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa praised Chancellor Sharp for being an outstanding leader of the Texas A&M University System. He thanked him for playing a key role in transforming and expanding higher education opportunities and access to healthcare resources in the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend.

Senator Hinojosa specifically acknowledged Chancellor Sharp’s contributions to the Rio Grande Valley, referencing a report released by Sharp in 1999 during his tenure as Comptroller. This report highlighted the challenges and opportunities in the border area and included recommendations for specific initiatives. “We implemented those initiatives, and they have made such a difference in taking the Valley out of poverty and making it into an economic success,” Hinojosa stated. He added, “Sometimes people don’t realize the impact that Chancellor Sharp has had throughout our state and the nation. And for that, we are very grateful and thankful.”

Senator Hinojosa also recalled that before the 2013 session, when leaders from the Rio Grande Valley were working to create a medical school in South Texas, they received some pushback from the University of Texas. In 2012, Chancellor Sharp stepped in and offered to create a medical school in South Texas. “Almost within days after that story came out, UT relented and said, ‘Okay, we’ll support a medical school in South Texas.’ Now we have a medical school. Thank you for doing that for us,” Hinojosa said.

Chancellor Sharp recounted how the proposal came to fruition. “How that really happened is Chuy Hinojosa and Alonzo Cantu came to me and said, can you come down to the Valley and act like you’re putting a medical school in the Rio Grande Valley? True story,” he explained.  Sharp continued, “They took me to the Country Club, made sure everybody saw me, made sure all the UT folks saw me. Then they put it in the paper that we were going to create a medical school. That got the attention of a member of my board of regents asking, what are you doing? I said, you know, everything’s alright. Then two days later, UT came and gave them a check for $50 million (joking about the $50 million).” He concluded, “It worked.”

During the 2013 legislative session, Senator Hinojosa was the lead author of Senate Bill 24 which created UTRGV and the UTRGV School of Medicine. In November 2013, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved nearly $200 million from the Permanent University Fund to pay for the construction of the medical school.

Senator Hinojosa also thanked Chancellor Sharp for establishing the A&M Higher Education Center in McAllen, which connects students directly to Texas A&M College Station, providing them with the same degree and opportunities. Hinojosa wrapped up his remarks by stating, “Chancellor Sharp has made the State of Texas a better place for all of us, and he has earned his upcoming retirement. I look forward to working with him in his final months as Chancellor of the A&M System.”

Yesterday, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 2, authored by Senator Brandon Creighton, which establishes an education savings account (ESA) program, commonly known as the Voucher Bill. Governor Greg Abbott declared this issue an Emergency Item, allowing the bill to be considered and passed by the Senate before March 14^th, the 60^th day of the session.

SB 2 establishes a universal private school voucher program in the form of an education savings account managed by the Comptroller. It is funded from the General Revenue Fund, donations, and other funds. The program would allow any school age child to be eligible for a $10,000 per year voucher. An extra $1,500 per year is available for students with a disability. Homeschool students in the program, not in private school, could receive $2,000 per year. The ESA program would be limited by the capacity within private schools.

This bill passed the Texas Senate with a vote 19-12 and now moves to the Texas House for consideration.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa voted against the bill and issued the following statement:

“I voted against Senate Bill 2 because it undermines the principle that public tax dollars should be dedicated to our Pre-K-12 public school system. Our constitution guarantees a free public education, and it is our duty to protect this fundamental right. This bill, under the guise of “school choice,” creates a program that subsidizes private schools with taxpayer funds —funds that should be used to support and strengthen our public schools. Instead, this bill sets up a system that diverts public funds meant for public schools to private schools, which are unaccountable to taxpayers.

By siphoning funds away from public schools, SB 2 will harm the very institutions that serve the vast majority of Texas students. If 1%, 3%, or 5% of students in my district, Senate District 20, were to accept a voucher under SB 2, those public schools would face significant financial losses. According to an analysis, at 1% voucher participation, public school in SD 20 would lose $25.3 million, $76 million at 3%, and $127 million at 5%. The hardest-hit districts include large school systems such as Corpus Christi ISD ($13.5 million loss at 5% take-up), Edinburg CISD ($13.8 million loss at 5%), and Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD ($12.3 million loss at 5%), all of which serve thousands of students. The loss of these funds means that students who remain in public schools will suffer from fewer educational opportunities and a diminished quality of education.

Public schools play a key role in training our future workforce. They provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world. All of this is accomplished without parents writing a check or taking out loans to pay for this valuable education. By diverting state funds to private schools through vouchers, we risk weakening our public education system and hindering the development of a skilled workforce. This will have a negative impact on our economy.

It is important to address the unmet needs within our public schools before considering any diversion of state funds. Our teachers and school employees deserve a pay raise for their tireless dedication to our children’s education. We can and must do more to address the high cost of health insurance for our educators and their families to ensure their well-being. We must also prioritize the safety of our students and address unmet safety needs and ensure adequate resources for school security. While SB 2 claims to provide options for low-income students, it does not ensure that these students will actually gain access to quality private education.

SB 2 raises significant concerns regarding administrative costs and the potential for fraud within the certified educational assistance organizations and other private entities authorized to receive ESA funds. The fiscal note highlights that the program would require additional auditing, enforcement personnel, and legal oversight to investigate fraud and recover misused funds. This mirrors past issues seen in other states’ voucher programs, where lax oversight led to funds being spent on ineligible or fraudulent expenses, including luxury items, entertainment, and unregulated private services. The risk is further compounded by the lack of clear standards for how vendors and service providers qualify for funding, opening the door to predatory businesses that may exploit the program without delivering a quality education.

Public schools are the foundation of our communities, and they should be fully funded and strengthened, not undermined by policies that divert resources elsewhere. Vouchers will not solve the pressing issues impacting our students and teachers; instead, they will only exacerbate them. We must focus on strengthening our public education system, not dismantling it. We should focus our efforts to ensure our public schools remain the cornerstone of our community, providing a quality education for all Texas students. I oppose school vouchers and will continue advocating for a brighter future for our public education system. Our children deserve nothing less.”

Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott delivered the 2025 State of the State address at the Arnold Oil Company in Austin. The event was attended by members of the Texas House & Senate, as well as members of the business community and the public. During the address, Governor Abbott announced his emergency items for the legislative session. The emergency items include these goals: Property Tax relief, Generational Investment in Water, Teacher Pay, Career Training, School Choice, Bail Reform, and creating Texas Cyber Command. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa attended the State of the State address.

At the conclusion of the event, Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa released the following statement:

“As a member of the Texas Senate, I take my responsibilities seriously. My focus is on addressing the needs of my district and all Texans, and I believe in working together with my colleagues across party lines to find common ground.

I am pleased with Governor Abbott’s emergency items for this session, which allow us to start tackling important issues right away. With these emergency items we can begin addressing them without having to wait until March 14th, the 60th day of the session, to take action.

While I do not support vouchers or any program that takes away funding from public education, I look forward to supporting the other emergency items that will benefit our communities and Texas as a whole.

One of the most pressing issues we face, particularly in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley, is the need for additional water supplies. Access to clean and reliable water is important for our communities’ health, economic growth, and overall quality of life. Investing in water infrastructure not only ensures that our residents have the resources they need, but it also supports local businesses and attracts new industries to our region.

Our teachers have waited far too long for a much-needed pay raise. Educators are the backbone of our future, shaping the minds of the next generation. We must compensate them fairly for their hard work and dedication, ensuring that our schools can attract and retain the best teachers.

Public safety is also a top priority. We must make certain that dangerous criminals remain behind bars, protecting our families and communities from harm. By implementing effective bail reform, we can create a safer environment while ensuring that justice is served.

Addressing the increased cost of property taxes for homeowners is another important part of our work. Many families are still feeling the strain of rising property taxes, which can make homeownership and keeping a home more challenging. We must find solutions that lessen this burden and provide relief to homeowners, ensuring that they can continue to thrive in their communities.

Finally, career training is key for our workforce. By investing in programs that provide individuals with the skills they need, we can help them secure better jobs and ultimately put more money in their pockets. This not only benefits families but also strengthens our economy.

I look forward to a productive session. Together, we will work toward a brighter future for everyone in our state and keep the Texas economy strong.”

The Senate Finance Committee held its first public hearing of the legislative session. The agenda included an overview of the Biennial Revenue Estimate presented by Comptroller Glenn Hegar and a review of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the appropriations bill, by Jerry McGinty, Director of the Legislative Budget Board. The Committee also began hearing from the heads of our of judiciary branch of government. This hearing is the first of many public hearings and meetings that will take place over the next several months to determine funding for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027. The Senate Finance Committee is chaired by Senator Joan Huffman, with Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa serving as vice chair.

Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Today was the first hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, and I was honored to join Chair Joan Huffman as her Vice Chair once again. I appreciate Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for appointing me to this position, and I look forward to a productive session focused on passing a budget that makes significant investments to strengthen our communities and the Texas economy. SB 1, as filed, is just a starting point. These public hearings provide an opportunity for Committee members to hear invited testimony from all state agencies and hear from the public on how our tax dollars should be allocated.

The starting point, All Funds budget, including federal funds, is $332.9 billion. This includes $151.6 billion in General Fund (state) dollars, which is an increase of $9 billion from the previous session. This means that we are still $12.4 billion below the Pay-as-you-go Limit, $6.9 billion below the Tax Spending Limit, and $14.2 billion below the Consolidated General Revenue Limit. The tax spending limit is the controlling limit because General Revenue spending authority is lower than for the other two limits, which means we have $6.9 billion remaining to allocate throughout the process. 

SB 1, as introduced, already includes at least $32.2 billion to extend last biennium’s record-setting property tax relief. It also includes $5.3 billion in additional funding for public education, with a $4.9 billion increase to the Foundation School Program for teacher pay and adjustments to the Teacher Incentive Allotment. The Senate plan proposes a $4,000 pay raise for all teachers, plus an additional $6,000 for rural teachers, totaling a $10,000 increase for those in rural areas. Additionally, the budget includes $400 million for school safety, $5 billion for a second transfer to the Texas Energy Fund (bringing the total to $10 billion) to further strengthen our electric grid, $40.4 billion for the Texas Department of Transportation for the 2026-2027 biennium, and $3 billion to create the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. These are just a few examples of the investments included in the budget.

The proposed Supplemental Appropriations bill, which will be filed and considered later in the session, will include: $2.5 billion for water infrastructure and water supply projects; $515.8 million for construction and major repairs at criminal justice facilities; $315 million for emergency operations centers and resource storage and staging areas across the state to support disaster response; $194 million to the Texas A&M Forest Service for the purchase of aircraft for wildfire suppression; and $100 million to the Texas Historical Commission for the Courthouse Grant Program, among other funding.

Throughout the budget process, I will advocate for the needs of the Rio Grande Valley, the Coastal Bend regions, and statewide priorities. It is important that members of the public attend the hearings to provide input as we move forward with the budget writing process.”

The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled public hearings on SB 1 from Monday, January 27th until Friday, February 14th. Additional information and a list of agendas with the agencies scheduled to testify, can be found at, https://www.legis.texas.gov/Committees/MeetingsByCmte.aspx?Leg=89&Chamber=S&CmteCode=C540

The House of Representatives will soon appoint members to the House Appropriations Committee. When organized, House Appropriations will undergo a similar process hearing from all state agencies and also seeking input from the public.

(Photo: Office of Senator Hinojosa, 1/18/2025) L to R: Elliott Weeks, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, and TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC), the Texas Veterans Land Board (VLB), and the City of Edinburg to host the Texas Veterans Resource Fair at the Edinburg Arts, Culture & Events Center. During the event, Senator Hinojosa received Certificates of Appreciation from the TVC and VLB for his service in the United States Marine Corps and for his advocacy on behalf of veterans in the Texas Senate.

TVC Chairwoman Laura Koerner presented the Certificate of Appreciation from the TVC, which honors Senator Hinojosa for “his dedication and hard work in advocating for our veterans in the great State of Texas, their families, and survivors.” The certificate acknowledges the TVC’s gratitude for his efforts to “improve the quality of life for those who served and sacrificed for our country.”

Elliott Weeks, representing VLB Chairwoman Dawn Buckingham, presented a certificate recognizing Senator Hinojosa’s “enduring commitment to our nation and his continuous dedication to the Veterans of the State of Texas.”

Senator Hinojosa expressed his gratitude and highlighted the importance of serving veterans. He stated, “I appreciate Chairwoman Koerner, Commissioner Buckingham, and all the state agencies and organizations that came together for the Veterans Resource Fair. I also thank Edinburg Mayor Ramiro Garza and the City of Edinburg for providing the venue and helping host this event.” He added, “Our veterans and their families have sacrificed to serve and defend our country. They have earned the benefits provided by the federal and state government, as well as many nonprofit organizations.”

Regarding his recognitions from the TVC and VLB, Senator Hinojosa said, “I am honored to be recognized for my service to our country and for my work in the Texas Senate. Texas has long been a leader in honoring our veterans, and as the 89th Legislative Session begins, I will continue my efforts at the state level to make a positive difference for our veterans and all Texans.”