AUSTIN, TX — On Monday, October 18, the Texas Press Association presented Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa with the “Champion of Transparency” award for his record of supporting the Texas Public Information Act and legislation that improves legal notice requirements of government activities during the 87th Regular Legislative Session. Senator Hinojosa was a joint-author of SB 1642 (87R), which updates the public notice requirements and the proposal procedures for navigation districts.

Senator Hinojosa has authored and supported open government legislation throughout his career. This past regular session, he supported SB 1225 (87R), which clarified existing law around how governmental agencies can use the “catastrophe notice” provision of the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). Concerns were raised that some governmental bodies abused temporary suspension of responding to requests during the COVID-19 pandemic, which was not consistent with the intent of TPIA.

In addition, Senator Hinojosa supported other measures that promoted transparency including HB 1322 (87R) and HB 1154 (87R). HB 1322 requires state agencies to publish brief summaries of proposed rules on their websites. HB 1154 aims to increase transparency of special purpose districts by requiring them to post on a website specified financial and operating information of the district. Senator Hinojosa has a long record of supporting transparency and open government as the public has the right to know what the government is doing with their tax dollars.

In response to receiving the award, Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I appreciate the Texas Press Association presenting me with the “Champion of Transparency” award. I look forward to continue working with TPA on measures that would strengthen the public’s access to information and provide additional transparency into the way our government works. The access to information assists voters to hold government officials accountable. It is important that Texans can remain informed on the administration of government at all levels.”

AUSTIN, TX — As the Third Called Special Session of the 87th Texas Legislature comes to an end, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa co-authored Senate Bill 8, legislation that will provide funding for projects in the Rio Grande Valley, Senate Bill 52 which invests in our universities, and Senate Joint Resolution 2 which would provide additional property tax relief for homeowners, if approved by the voters in May 2022.

SB 8 by Senator Jane Nelson, which appropriates $13.3 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act spearheaded by President Joe Biden and approved by the United States Congress earlier this year, was passed by the Texas Legislature and is now headed to the Governor for final approval. The bill includes $16.7 million for upgrading existing laboratory facilities associated with a level 1 trauma facility in Hidalgo County and new laboratory infrastructure in Starr County. Additionally, this bill appropriates $180 million in funding for recovery grants for tourism, travel, and hospitality industry, $2 billion for state and local hospital surge staffing, $500 million for broadband infrastructure, $95 million for food banks, an additional $15 million for community colleges for workforce training under the TRUE program, $52 million for the Sexual Assault Program for victims of domestic violence, and $7.2 billion to replenish the Unemployment Compensation Fund ensuring that businesses are not faced with an increase in unemployment taxes due to pandemic-related layoffs. These are just some of the highlights of items funded in the bill.

The Legislature also passed SB 52 by Senator Brandon Creighton, which invests in public universities across the state to fund capital projects or improve existing facilities on their campuses. Senate Bill 52 includes $44.9 million in funding for the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley that can be used for a health affairs building or deferred maintenance, including the replacement of a chiller at one of their campuses as well as any other necessary repair needed to their existing facilities.

SJR 2 by Senator Paul Bettencourt proposes to increase the mandatory homestead exemption for school district taxes from $25,000 to $40,000. This will result in homeowners receiving property tax relief every year. Since this is a constitutional amendment, it would have to be approved by the voters in May 2022 before it takes effect.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa made the following statement:

“During the Third Called Special Session, our RGV legislative delegation worked together and advocated for funding for our South Texas priorities. I am pleased that in addition to funding grants for tourism, broadband expansion, replenishing the Unemployment Compensation Fund to help our businesses, and many other investments, we were also able to secure funds for local projects. We continue to secure funding that increases access to care and makes investments in health care infrastructure to better serve our community. Senate Bill 8 includes $16.7 million to upgrade existing laboratory facilities associated with a level 1 trauma facility in Hidalgo County and construct a new laboratory in Starr County.

I also applaud Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s request for construction projects for universities and appreciate Governor Abbott for adding this item to the special session call. Our universities not only educate our students, they are also economic drivers for our communities. Many institutions have facilities that need to be repaired or replaced and the $44.9 million appropriated to UTRGV in Senate Bill 52 can be used for construction or for the replacement of a thermal energy plant as well as new chillers to provide proper temperature control in their buildings.

Lastly, I encourage the voters to support Senate Joint Resolution 2 next May to provide much needed property tax relief to homeowners. This proposed constitutional amendment would increase the homestead exemption for school districts from $25,000 to $40,000, with no adverse impacts on our schools.”

AUSTIN, TX — As the Third Called Special Session of the 87th Texas Legislature comes to an end, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa co-authored Senate Bill 8, legislation that will provide funding for projects in the Coastal Bend, Senate Bill 52 which invests in our universities, and Senate Joint Resolution 2 which would provide additional property tax relief for homeowners, if approved by the voters in May 2022.

SB 8 by Senator Jane Nelson, which appropriates $13.3 billion in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act spearheaded by President Joe Biden and approved by the United States Congress earlier this year, was passed by the Texas Legislature and is now headed to the Governor for final approval. The bill includes $3 million for the Texas State Aquarium. It also provides $3 million for housing at the UT Marine Science Institute. Additionally, this bill appropriates $180 million in funding for recovery grants for tourism, travel, and hospitality industry, $2 billion for state and local hospital surge staffing, $500 million for broadband infrastructure, $95 million for food banks, an additional $15 million for community colleges for workforce training under the TRUE program, $52 million for the Sexual Assault Program for victims of domestic violence, and $7.2 billion to replenish the Unemployment Compensation Fund ensuring that businesses are not faced with an increase in unemployment taxes due to pandemic-related layoffs. These are just some of the highlights of items funded in the bill.

The Legislature also passed SB 52 by Senator Brandon Creighton, which invests in public universities across the state to fund capital projects or improve existing facilities on their campuses. Senate Bill 52 includes $44.9 million in funding for Texas A&M Corpus Christi that can be used for the construction of the arts and media building.

SJR 2 by Senator Paul Bettencourt proposes to increase the mandatory homestead exemption for school district taxes from $25,000 to $40,000. This will result in homeowners receiving property tax relief every year. Since this is a constitutional amendment, it would have to be approved by the voters in May 2022 before it takes effect.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa made the following statement:

“During the Third Called Special Session, our Coastal Bend legislative delegation worked together and advocated for funding for our Coastal Bend priorities. I am pleased that in addition to funding grants for tourism, broadband expansion, replenishing the Unemployment Compensation Fund to help our businesses, and many other investments, we were also able to secure funds for local projects. The Texas State Aquarium Center for Wildlife Rescue was appropriated $3 million and the UT Marine Science Institute will receive $3 million for student housing replacement.

I also applaud Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s request for construction projects for universities and appreciate Governor Abbott for adding this item to the special session call. Our universities not only educate our students, they are also economic drivers for our communities. Many institutions are growing and need additional facilities and the $44.9 million appropriated to Texas A&M Corpus Christi in Senate Bill 52 will allow for construction of the arts and media building.

Lastly, I encourage the voters to support Senate Joint Resolution 2 next May to provide much needed property tax relief to homeowners. This proposed constitutional amendment would increase the homestead exemption for school districts from $25,000 to $40,000, with no adverse impacts on our schools.”

AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 4 by Senator Joan Huffman which outlines the Texas Senate district boundaries that will be in place for the next ten years. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, State Senator representing District 20, will continue to represent Hidalgo, Brooks, Jim Wells, and Nueces Counties, with some modifications.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“The Texas population grew by 4 million from 25,145,561 in 2010 to 29,145,505 in 2020. These additional 4 million residents have to be distributed evenly between 31 state senate districts. What’s more, regions of the state grew unevenly with most of the growth taking place in Houston, Dallas-Forth Worth, the San Antonio-Austin corridor, and the Rio Grande Valley (RGV).

While the RGV grew by over 12% with more than 100,000 people in ten years, Nueces County grew by 3.8% or nearly 13,000 residents. However, the population growth in other areas of the state were much larger including Bexar County which grew by 17.2% or 294,551 residents; Harris grew by 15.6% or 638,686 residents; Travis grew by 26% or 265,922 residents; Tarrant grew by 16.7% or 301,606 residents.

Due to these population increases across the state, the ideal population for each state senate district increased from 811,147 to 940,178, an increase of 129,031. That meant my senate district, Senate District 20, was under 3.5% or 32,504 residents from the ideal population.  

Redistricting is a difficult process. I would rather have kept Nueces County whole and not made any changes to my current senate district. However, given the population increases across the state and in the South Texas region, changes had to be made. Senate District 27, represented by Senator Eddie Lucio, was under 11.5% or 108,504 residents from the ideal population. Since SD 20 surrounds SD 27, adjustments were needed to comply with the Texas Constitution and the Voting Rights Act.  

As passed by the Texas Senate, Hidalgo County remains split. All of Brooks and Jim Wells Counties remain in SD 20. In Nueces County, 81% of the population remains in SD 20, and 19% shifts to SD 27 to comply with the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution. This change was not my preference but necessary to comply with the redistricting requirements. The key institutions in Corpus Christi remained in my senate district including: the Port of Corpus Christi, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, Del Mar College, Texas State Aquarium, Nueces County Courthouse, Corpus Christi Army Depot, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi, downtown, and others.”

AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) adopted a resolution directing TRS staff to prepare and issue the 13th check authorized by the Texas Legislature during the Second Called Special Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, co-author of Senate Bill 7 issued the following statement:

“I was proud to join Senator Joan Huffman as co-author of SB 7 to provide our retired teachers and other retired school personnel, a 13th check up to $2,400. This is the second 13th check the Legislature has approved for our retirees in less than four years. The $700 million in funds for this payment to our TRS retirees will come from General Revenue and not the TRS fund so that the pension fund can continue growing and become actuarially stronger.”

TRS members who retired on or before Dec. 31, 2020 or beneficiaries of a retiree who died on or before Dec. 31, 2020 and meet the criteria of the legislation, including being eligible to receive their annuity payment the month before TRS issues the one-time supplemental payment, will receive the one-time supplemental payment. Eligible retirees will receive the one-time supplemental payment capped at $2,400 in January 2022. Payments will be issued in the same manner in which retirees receive their annuity payment.

AUSTIN, TX — On Tuesday, September 14, 2021, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services awarded $5.2 million to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance (DHR) in grant funding to support its Nurse Family Partnership program. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was a co-author of SB 156 (80R), establishing this grant program.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“The nurse-family partnership program is a critical program that has achieved amazing results. This program works with first-time mothers to promote successful outcomes for both mom and baby. Since we established this program 15 years ago, nearly 18,000 families have been served, with 9 out of 10 moms seeing positive results for themselves and their family.

I am excited to see the continued growth and support of the nurse family partnership program operated by Doctors Hospital at Renaissance. To date, DHR has been awarded nearly $12.5 million to help support these new families. Through this work, we are not only creating better physical and mental health outcomes for children and moms, but simultaneously preventing children from entering into the foster care system. By making smart investments to support families on the front end, we can save the state money both in terms of child protective services and health care. But more importantly, we strengthen these families and help create an environment where all children are able to grow up happy, healthy, and able to achieve their dreams.”

On Labor Day we recognize workers across our great state and nation and honor their sacrifice, dedication, and commitment. Our workers keep our families healthy, our children educated, our food supply stocked, and keep our economy thriving. This Labor Day, much like last year, we understand how critical essential workers like doctors, teachers, nurses, custodians, first responders, and food supply workers are to our daily lives. This year, I would also like to recognize our electricity linemen for the critical role they play in restoring power to our lives after a natural disaster. All these workers make an active decision every day that the health and well-being of their community is worth the risk they face in their jobs.

Last year at this time, Texas had an unemployment rate of 8.3%, or almost 1.2 million Texans without a job. That was already an improvement from the all high 13.5% in April 2020 when the peak of the Covid-19 impact occurred. Just recently, the Texas Workforce Commission announced that the Texas unemployment rate is now at 6.2% and that our state has added a total of 714,800 jobs since July 2020. While we still have much work to do to continue decreasing the rate to where we were before the pandemic, the improvements have been significant.

Just as important as it is to recognize our workers on Labor Day, we also recognize our employers. We appreciate all our businesses in Texas, from our mom-and-pop stores to the biggest corporations. These entities currently employ 14 million Texans and are the backbone of our economy. Texas is still one of the best places in our country for businesses. For the 17th year in a row, Texas has again been named the Best State for Business by Chief Executive Magazine.

Our workers and employers — Texans, are hardworking and refuse to give up. As we continue working together to recover from the pandemic, Winter Storm Uri, hurricanes, and other disasters, we must make sure we are looking out for each other. None of us want to go back to April 2020. We are not yet on the other side of Covid and the Delta variant. We can show our support to our businesses and workers, especially the healthcare workforce, by slowing the spread of the virus. That includes getting vaccinated, wearing masks, social distancing, and washing our hands. The sooner we can put Covid behind us, the more quickly our economy can thrive.

The impact of the Texas worker is felt both at home and abroad and it is because of their sweat, dedication, and perseverance that our state and nation is second to none. Labor Day is special to our families and our country and a day to recognize all our workers that make Texas and the U.S.A. a great place to live and raise our families.

AUSTIN, TX — September 1, 2021, is the first day of the new state budget that was approved by the Texas Legislature in May of this year. The state’s $248 billion budget for the next two years fully funds public education, contains investments in higher education, strengthens funding for mental health, and funds many Coastal Bend priorities.

“One of the most important responsibilities of the Texas Legislature is to pass a two-year state budget that is fiscally responsible and takes care of the needs of Texans across the state,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. “I was honored to work with my Senate colleagues and with the members of our Nueces County legislative delegation to ensure that our Coastal Bend priorities remained funded in the budget. Overall, we were successful in maintaining or increasing funding for our priorities.”

The state budget includes more than $145 million in funding for Texas A&M Corpus Christi, over $2 million of which supports the recently created civil and industrial engineering programs. “Education is the best equalizer and investments in our institutions of higher education and our students are critical in helping Texas recover more quickly from the pandemic,” said Senator Hinojosa. “Our delegation continues to strongly support and advocate for funding for new programs and financial aid for our students.”

This past session, the Legislature approved first time funding of $3 million to create the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Unmanned Aircraft Emergency Management program to provide public service to all the state by supporting critical emergency response and disaster relief demands. Moreover, the budget increased funding for Del Mar Community College by nearly $2 million; provides $8.5 million to the UT Marine Science Institute; allocates $8.6 million for the Healthy South Texas program administered by the Texas A&M Health Science Center, headquartered in Corpus Christi; and, includes $1.25 billion for financial aid programs for students enrolled in a higher education institution.

The Legislature also continued funding for grant programs that have benefitted the Coastal Bend. Approved funding includes: $40 million for Port Access Improvements grants and $30 million in Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance (DEAAG) Grants. “To date, the Port of Corpus Christi has been awarded nearly $10 million in grant funds from the Port Access Improvement program for safety improvements to the Joe Fulton International Trade Corridor and the three military installations in the region have received $7 million from the Governor’s DEAAG program,” said Senator Hinojosa. “I commend these entities, their staff and their leadership, for applying and securing these grants in the past. Our delegation will continue supporting their efforts and advocating for approval of future projects submitted for grant funding.”

Due to Texans supporting and passing Proposition 5 in November 2019, funding for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department was increased by a total of $100.6 million to a total of $316.9 million in the 2021 session. Part of this funding includes $500,000 for the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center. “Securing these funds for the Texas State Aquarium was a priority this session,” said Senator Hinojosa. “The Coastal Bend has been hit by hurricanes and this year was impacted by Winter Storm Uri. These events not only impact humans, they also impact our marine animals and other wildlife in the region. Tom Schmid and his team work tirelessly and have a great reputation for rescuing and rehabilitating animals to return them to their natural habitat.”

Lastly, the approved budget increased funding for public education by $2 billion which includes $664 million for targeted programs to help students and schools affected by the pandemic; includes $8.4 billion in behavioral health funding across 25 state agencies; adds $10.2 million for women’s health programs for total funding of $352.6 million; and, includes $26.5 billion for highway planning and design, construction, and other purposes.

These are just some of the highlights of the funding approved by the Texas Legislature during the 2021 87th Regular Session that go into effect September 1st.

AUSTIN, TX — September 1, 2021, is the first day of the new state budget that was approved by the Texas Legislature in May of this year. The state’s $248 billion budget for the next two years fully funds public education, contains investments in higher education, strengthens funding for mental health, and funds many Rio Grande Valley (RGV) priorities.

“One of the most important responsibilities of the Texas Legislature is to pass a two-year state budget that is fiscally responsible and takes care of the needs of Texans across the state,” said Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa.” I was honored to work with my Senate colleagues and with the members of our South Texas legislative delegation to ensure that our RGV priorities remained funded in the budget. Overall, we were successful in maintaining or increasing funding for our priorities.”

RGV priorities that received funding in the state budget include increased funding at UTRGV by $29 million for a total of $364.3 million. This increased funding includes support of the School of Medicine which saw an increase of $3.8 million for a total of $72.8 million. The budget also includes $1.9 million for the Cervical Dysplasia Cancer Immunology Center which will be further enhanced by the recent announcement by UTRGV of their plans to build a new cancer and surgery center in the RGV.

Senator Hinojosa, author of SB 24 in 2013 which created the UTRGV School of Medicine said, “the medical school continues to help us transform the region and increase access to care for our families here at home.” He added, “our delegation continues working to secure the partnerships and investments necessary to fund top notch facilities and recruit world-class doctors for our region.” Funding for the Graduate Medical Education (GME) program, which helps fund doctor residency slots across the state also increased by almost $42 million for a total funding of $199 million. Since 2014, Doctors Hospital at Renaissance and UTRGV School of Medicine have been awarded more than $48 million in GME grants, significantly increasing the number of doctors in South Texas.

The state budget also includes funding for facilities and infrastructure in Hidalgo County. The South Texas International Airport in Edinburg was allocated $5 million which is in addition to the $5 million from the previous budget. These funds will be combined to build a hangar for DPS, the Military Department, and for other emergency response needs in the region. The budget authorizes the Texas Water Development Board to award up to $10 million for the Raymondville Drain project and it directs the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to award $3.5 million for the Center for Urban Ecology at Quinta Mazatlan. “These investments in our facilities and our infrastructure will create jobs and help improve the quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Senator Hinojosa.

Another accomplishment this past session was the continued funding for Border Infrastructure (Rider 11b) which has led to $60 million per biennium being allocated by the Texas Transportation Commission. “This past year, $17.5 million of Rider 11(b) funds were combined with $4.5 million of RGVMPO funds to fund the Anzalduas bridge project,” said Senator Hinojosa. The budget also includes $500,000 for the Trade Agricultural Inspection Grant Program which will help expedite the flow of commerce and produce at the ports of entry.

The state budget includes funding for border security and public safety including $1 million in grants for the Border Zone Fire Departments; $500,000 for the Texas Transnational Intelligence Center in McAllen; and, $10.1 million for local border security grants.

Lastly, the approved budget increased funding for public education by $2 billion which includes $664 million for targeted programs to help students and schools affected by the pandemic; includes $8.4 billion in behavioral health funding across 25 state agencies; and, includes $1.25 billion for financial aid programs for students enrolled in a higher education institution.

These are just some of the highlights of the funding approved by the Texas Legislature during the 2021 87th Regular Session that go into effect September 1st.

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Texas Workforce Commissioner representing Labor, Julian Alvarez presented a Texas Talent Connection grant award to Valley Initiative for Development and Advancement (VIDA). Commissioner Alvarez presented the grant check to representatives of VIDA at a ceremony in Mercedes, TX.

VIDA was awarded $350,000 in Texas Talent Connection Grants to support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention, as well as programs serving workforce populations with special needs. This grant will benefit workers in the Workforce Solutions Lower Rio Grande Valley area.

“I appreciate Texas Workforce Commissioner Julian Alvarez for coming to the Rio Grande Valley to make this grant presentation and for being a tireless advocate for the workforce needs of South Texas,” said Senator Hinojosa. “VIDA is a great organization that has been successful in partnering with the private sector and identifying the needs of the business community. They provide the training and skills necessary to unemployed or underemployed individuals so that they can help meet the needs of the business community. Just as important, more skills means better jobs and more money for workers to support their families,” added Senator Hinojosa.

The Texas Talent Connection grant program is funded by Wagner-Peyser 7(b) federal funds, which are allocated to each State Office of the Governor on July 1 of each year for grants to fund workforce training and job placement services.