AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved $145.7 million in funding for the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center (Center) project. This marks a significant step in the continued transformation of the Rio Grande Valley through education and access to health care that will have tremendous benefits for our families.

Last year, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined UTRGV President Guy Bailey in announcing the Center which will include oncology advisory services provided by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center is part of the phase 1 development of UTRGV’s McAllen Academic Medical Campus on the recently acquired 38 acres, located on the south side of Pecan Boulevard between Jackson and McColl roads.

The 144,231 square-foot Center will allow for comprehensive cancer and surgical services that are on the leading edge of medicine by serving as an incubator to train the physicians and scientist leaders of the future. The three story Center will include a radiation oncology clinic, medical oncology clinic, diagnostic imaging suite, rehabilitation therapy, ambulatory surgery center, and an orthopedics clinic.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, lead author of Senate Bill 24 which created UTRGV and the School of Medicine, welcomed the expenditures by the UT System:

“I am pleased that the UT System Board of Regents voted to approve funding for this important and significant project for the Rio Grande Valley and all South Texas. We started this journey several years ago. In fact, the concept was first proposed by DHRs leadership to create a partnership with M.D. Anderson. In an op-ed I wrote in March 2020, I mentioned our efforts to increase partnerships with the best entities in the field, such as M.D. Anderson. We continue working to secure the partnerships and investments necessary so that in the future our cancer patients in South Texas will have access to top notch facilities and world-class doctors — here at home. The approval for funding from the UT System Board of Regents will make the UT Health Cancer and Surgery Center a reality.

Approving the allocation of the funds necessary for this Center advances the goal of expanding access to educational opportunities and medical education which will increase access to care for our Valley families and help decrease our physician shortage in the region. I appreciate the leadership of Dr. Guy Bailey and the work being done by School of Medicine Dean Dr. Michael Hocker to ensure Senate Bill 24 continues transforming the Valley by increasing access to high quality care and facilities to benefit all of South Texas,” Senator Hinojosa stated.

The UT System Board of Regents authorized the expenditure of $145,723,401 with funding of $49,493,963 from Permanent University Fund (PUF) Bond Proceeds, $44,922,833 from Tuition Revenue Bond (TRB) Proceeds which was supported by the Rio Grande Valley Legislative Delegation and approved by the Texas Legislature in 2021, $40,000,000 from Revenue Financing System (RFS) Bond Proceeds, $10,306,605 from Designated Funds, and $1,000,000 from Gifts.

Up until 2013, UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville were not PUF eligible schools. With the passage of Senate Bill 24, UTRGV was created as a new university and was given access to these funds.  

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Senate Finance Chairwoman Joan Huffman and Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced a plan to exempt feminine hygiene products from state and local sales tax. This will require the legislature to pass a bill next session making this change.

Senate Finance Vice-chair Hinojosa issued the following statement in support:

“I will be proud to join the efforts of Chair Huffman and Comptroller Hegar to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax next session. Exempting these essential products is long overdue and it is time we join the many other states that have already made this move. I look forward to working with my colleagues on passing this legislation.”

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.

RAYMONDVILLE, TX – Today, the ceremony for the launching of the second phase of the Raymondville Drain Project took place at a site 18 miles east of Raymondville. The Raymondville Drain Project is 63-mile regional floodway running from Edinburg to the Laguna Madre that will provide stormwater management to Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties. As the largest regional project in the Rio Grande Valley, the project will allow for the future economic growth of the region by mitigating detrimental flooding events. 

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“The Raymondville Drain Project is critical to the future of our communities in the Rio Grande Valley. Securing funding without burdening our taxpayers has been one of my top priorities as a member of the Legislature. Since 2015, I have been working with Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ),  and the Texas Water Development Board to secure funding for this project. I appreciate TCEQ Executive Director, Toby Baker for his attendance at the groundbreaking today and for his support in helping secure funding for the project’s second phase through the Texas RESTORE Act.  I also want to thank the leaders of the District, Hidalgo County, and our local state and federal legislative delegation for their commitment and continued hard work in making this project a reality. This event today is another important milestone in seeing this project come to fruition.”

Construction began in 2017 after 40 years of planning due to the lack funding. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental in authoring and securing funding through the state budget. To date, the state has contributed $19.6 million for the multi-phase drainage project.

Austin, TX – Texas’s highly successful annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled this year from Friday, August 5th through midnight Sunday, August 7th and will offer Texans an opportunity to save millions in sales tax on clothing and various back-to-school items. The Comptroller’s office estimates that shoppers will save $112 million in state and local sales tax during this sales tax holiday. With the new school year almost upon us, the timing is perfect for students of all ages to stock up on clothes and supplies.

“The back-to-school season is an excellent opportunity for our Texas families to find bargains and low prices, and at the same time will be an economic driver for our local businesses. Given the increased costs of goods, I encourage our families to take full advantage of the sales tax holiday and save money by shopping this coming weekend. These purchases can be done in stores or from an online seller doing business in Texas,” Senator Hinojosa stated.

Texans who shop during this weekend will not have to pay sales taxes on clothing, school supplies, face masks, backpacks, or footwear priced under $100. Items sold online and layaway plans qualify, as well. The following link to the Texas Comptroller’s webpage will provide more information and a complete list of tax-free items: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/

Contact:

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa – (512) 463-0120

Rep. Abel Herrero – (512) 463-0462

Rep. Todd Hunter – (512) 463-0672

Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently directed Flatiron/Dragados, LLC to suspend construction of the main-span of the new cable-stayed bridge in Corpus Christi. The suspension stems from TxDOT’s concerns, confirmed by independent reviews, regarding the overall design of the main-span part of the bridge. Since this announcement, our offices have been receiving many calls about this decision and its impact to the residents of the Coastal Bend.

As your state elected officials, we have been in communication with TxDOT’s District Engineer and its leadership in Austin to make the following clear. Public safety and transparency are a priority. It is important for the public to know TxDOTs reasoning for their decision to direct the suspension of construction of the main-span and we expect the agency to release the findings of the independent reviewer as soon as possible. We also expect Flatiron/Dragados to address the issues and concerns identified in the review in an expeditious manner with safety as a priority. It is also our expectation and understanding that construction crews will continue working on parts of the project not related to the main-span. We have been informed that there will be no additional local funds required for any delays or changes to the project. We also expect to be updated as significant changes or decisions are made regarding the Harbor Bridge Project.

TxDOT will provide an update to the residents of Nueces and San Patricio Counties of their review of the project. Any questions from the public or the media can be made to Rickey Dailey with the TxDOT Corpus Christi District Office at (361) 808-2544.

AUSTIN, TX  — Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reappointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa to the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Funding and Funding Structure Oversight Board which was created in 2019 with the passage of House Bill 1900, co-sponsored by Senator Hinojosa. Due to the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Board was not able to meet and produce a report. This Board was re-authorized during the 2021 legislative session with the passage of Senate Bill 1448 also co-authored by Senator Hinojosa. The board is charged with gathering information regarding how the association’s current funding and funding structure operate and how the catastrophic risk pools of other states operate.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I appreciate Lt. Governor Dan Patrick reappointing me to the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Funding and Funding Structure Oversight Board. As a strong advocate for fair windstorm insurance rates, I will continue to monitor how TWIA is funded and operates. I proudly co-sponsored HB 1900 in 2019 and SB 1448 in 2021 to create this oversight board to develop recommendations that make TWIA operational and sustainable. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues and our coastal communities to improve regulations and propose funding structures that ensure reasonable, fair, and affordable windstorm insurance rates for coastal residents.”

The board is mandated to report its recommendations to the Legislature by Nov. 15, 2022. Other members of the committee include Co-Chair Senator Charles Schwertner, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Senator Brandon Creighton, Representative Ryan Guillen, Representative Abel Herrero, Representative Mayes Middleton, and Representative Ed Thompson.

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

Next week, from July 25-30, free health clinics will be available to anyone as part of Operation Border Health Preparedness. This program allows state, local, and nonprofit entities to practice setting up and operating health clinics that may be needed in the case of a public health emergency, while providing free care to the community. These services include medical exams, immunizations for children and adults, sports physicals for students, health and diabetes screenings, and dental and vision exams. A complete listing of sites and services can be found at https://dshs.texas.gov/obhp2022/, but include:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Brownsville: James Pace Early College High School, 314 W. Los Ebanos Blvd.

Harlingen: Harlingen School of Health Professions, 2302 N. 21^st St.

Laredo: Lyndon B. Johnson 9^th Grade Campus, 5511 St. Luke Blvd.

Raymondville: Raymondville High School, 601 F.M. 3168

Rio Grande City: AC2E Elementary School, 1 S. Fort Ringgold St.

 Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

San Juan: PSJA Early College High School, 805 W. Ridge Road

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Operation Border Health Preparedness is a great example of a smart policy that not only ensures we are prepared for future public health crises, but also provides an immediate public benefit in the process. Just last year, these clinics provided over 21,000 health services to nearly 5,000 people. Healthcare is a critical need for South Texas residents, and I hope every resident needing these services goes to one of these clinics to get this free care.”

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.

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