AUSTIN, TEXAS — Today, the United States Census Bureau announced the apportionment count based on the 2020 Census. This count revealed that Texas will add two new Congressional districts due to its rapidly growing population. This means Texas will now have 38 Congressional districts. Senator Hinojosa (Vice Chair – Senate Special Committee on Redistricting) issued the following statement:

“Today’s announcement affirms what we already know – Texas is growing rapidly. This is especially true among minority communities. While we do not have the demographic breakdown of Texas’ population growth, according to the State Demographic Center minority populations account for 83.6%, or 5 out of every 6 new residents.

I am confident that when the detailed data is provided later this fall it will confirm this rapid growth in minority communities, especially the Hispanic community. I have seen this growth first hand in the Rio Grande Valley and across the state, especially in urban and suburban areas.

The bedrock principle of our democracy is that we are fairly and adequately represented by our elected representatives. As such, when the new Texas Congressional districts are drawn, those districts should be located in the areas that experienced this rapid growth. That means communities like the Rio Grande Valley and large urban areas should increase their representation. But it is not enough to just draw the new districts in these areas; these new districts must be drawn to provide a meaningful opportunity for those minority communities to elect the candidates of their choice, as required by the Voting Rights Act. I am confident that if we strictly adhere to the requirements of the Voting Rights Act, we can arrive at a Congressional map that is fair and provides all Texans a true chance of having their voice represented in the halls of Congress.”

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa filed Senate Bill 2185 relating to procedures for the dissolution of the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3 (District). The bill is a local bill that sets forth an option for the City of McAllen to dissolve the District and upon dissolution would take over its obligations, rights, operation and responsibilities. The bill also contains safeguards to ensure that all current customers and farmers of the District continue receiving services. Further, the bill eliminates any flat tax paid by farmers if the District is dissolved.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement on the filing of SB 2185:

“There is no greater waste of taxpayer money than the continuation of the Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3. This irrigation district was founded in 1921 to provide water to serve agricultural interests, but now serves less than 10 active farmers. Its biggest customer is the City of McAllen, nearly 150,000 in population, which accounts for almost 85% of the District’s operating revenue. The District has outlived its purpose and simply serves as an expensive middleman driving up the cost of supplying water to citizens and businesses in the City of McAllen at nearly $1.3 million per year.

The District has a long history of mismanagement, as was as identified by the State Auditor’s Office in a report published in 2012. That report found that services were provided by businesses that were owned or operated by the individual who is both general manager of the District and president of the board of directors for the District. This is a conflict of interest and should not be permitted for any governmental entity. For too many years, this individual has used the District to financially benefit his businesses at the expense of the ratepayers in the City of McAllen. This must stop.

Not much improvement has been made in management and accountability since the audit in 2011 and some of those same issues persist today. The general manager and the board of directors continue failing in their responsibility to follow procurement policies for contracts and remain inconsistent with handling matters regarding potential conflicts of interest. In 2019, the annual audit of the district again identified issues with procurement. The auditors found several purchases without written approval.

After reviewing the finances of the District, I am not surprised to learn that the expenses of the District continue to exceed the revenue. What’s more, in addition to paying for water supply, the McAllen taxpayers in 2019 paid more than $500,000 to the District for crossing fees and higher than market value for purchase of easements.

Year after year the citizens of McAllen support an obsolete, burdensome, and unnecessary layer of government. The Hidalgo County Water Improvement District No. 3 has outlived its purpose, lacks proper oversight, and is an unnecessary waste of taxpayer funds. It is time to dissolve it and transfer the operation to the City of McAllen.” 

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill (SB) 5 by Senator Robert Nichols and co-authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa relating to the expansion of broadband services. According to the Governor’s Broadband Development Council 2020 Texas Report, only 67.6 percent of Texas households subscribe to fixed broadband service such as DSL, cable, or fiber at home. What’s more, Texas is one of six states that does not have a state broadband plan.

SB 5 as passed by the Senate would create the State Broadband Development Office (SBDO) and establishes a board of twelve advisors to oversee and provide guidance to the SBDO. The legislation requires one of the appointees to be a resident of South Texas. Further, the SBDO would serve as a resource for information regarding broadband service in the state, and engage in outreach to communities regarding the expansion, adoption, and affordability of broadband services. Additionally, the SBDO will serve as an information clearinghouse regarding federal programs that provide assistance to local entities with respect to broadband service. The SBDO will also prepare a state broadband plan that establishes long-term goals for greater access to, affordability, and adoption of broadband service.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement on the passage of SB 5:

“Passing broadband expansion legislation is one of my priorities this session. Having access to the internet is no longer a luxury or convenience, it is a necessity. Not having access to broadband at home, prevents many from being able to telework, have access to virtual schooling, or be able to take advantage of telemedicine appointments. This bill gets us closer to ensuring all Texans have access to broadband and I appreciate that affordability is one of the goals of the State Broadband Plan. With millions of federal dollars allocated for broadband, it is important that all levels of government are working together to maximize the use of these funds as we work to connect all our communities to broadband services.”

Senate Bill 5 will now be considered by the Texas House of Representatives who also has a broadband proposal, House Bill 5. The differences between the two proposals will likely be consolidated in a conference committee before a final bill on this issue is sent to the governor’s desk.

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved a project application from the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 (“District”) for financial assistance through the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) for a portion the project’s total cost. The project was approved under Category 2 of the 2020 Flood Intended Use Plan, which is designed for planning, acquisition, design, and construction activities to implement flood mitigation projects.

In recent years, Hidalgo County has experienced more frequent and intense storm events resulting in widespread flooding. The District’s Phase 1 Flood Control Project was approved for $32,670,000 in financial assistance consisting of $22,869,000 in financing and $9,801,000 in grant funds. The project will spread between Mile 9 North, Mile 15 North, FM 493, and the IBWC floodway, just north of Weslaco. The project will expand and improve the main drainage ditch, drainage ditch laterals, regional detention facilities, culvert crossings, discharge structures, and pumps to reduce frequent flooding problems and accommodate the area’s future development. The District will provide the remainder of the cost to complete the project, which is projected at $3,043,915. The projected completion date is June 30, 2024.

The 2019 Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 7, which created the FIF program to provide funding for flood mitigation projects. The FIF program provides financial assistance in the form of loans with an interest rate of 0% and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and a co-author of Senate Bill 500 during the 86th Legislative Session, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental in securing funding to start the FIF program through a one-time transfer of $793 million from the “Rainy Day” Fund.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

The residents of Hidalgo County have experienced six flooding disaster declarations in five years resulting in damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure in various parts of the county. I appreciate the leadership of the Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 for taking advantage of the Flood Infrastructure Fund program. Today’s actions by the TWDB, will reduce frequent flooding problems and accommodate the area’s rapid urbanization and future economic development.”

AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa filed Senate Bill 1011 to ensure students, teachers, and our schools are able to safely provide instruction for our children during this and future pandemics. This bill includes some measures that were implemented on a temporary basis by the Governor, Texas Education Agency, and Congress aimed at ensuring the safety of teachers and students while also not penalizing schools for the disruption that occurred during the pandemic.

Senate Bill 1011 first provides that a teacher or other district employee who tests positive for COVID-19, or a similar disease in the future, would be guaranteed 14 days of paid leave. This would guarantee that school staff are not penalized or otherwise motivated to stay at schools and expose students and other staff to the disease.

The bill also removes the high-stakes nature of tests like the STAAR test if school instruction was disrupted by a disaster like the pandemic or a hurricane. “It is important to measure student progress, but not penalize a student or school when a disaster occurs. A school’s number one priority is student achievement, and worrying about how its students are going to perform on the STAAR test should not be an added burden to schools dealing with a disaster like this pandemic,” stated Senator Hinojosa.

Additionally, SB 1011 places in statute the recent “hold harmless” decision announced by the Governor, which preserves school funding for the 2020-21 school year. Lastly, the bill would create a truancy task force to study this important issue and make recommendations about how to better keep our children in the classroom.

“These common-sense policies ensure schools are able to focus on educating students during disaster situations that are out of their control,” said Senator Hinojosa. “It is paramount that schools are a safe place to learn, and that they have the tools and resources to adapt during times like we are currently experiencing.”

AUSTIN, TEXAS — Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved three project applications from the Nueces County Drainage and Conservation District No. 2 (“District”) for financial assistance through the Flood Infrastructure Fund (FIF) for a portion of each project’s total cost. All three project were approved under Category 2 of the 2020 Flood Intended Use Plan, which is designed for planning, acquisition, design, and construction activities to implement flood mitigation projects.

The District needs to enhance the infrastructure and address frequent flooding within the District’s service area. The Casa Blanca Drainage Improvements Project was approved for $809,600 in financial assistance consisting of $437,000 in financing and a $372,600 grant to address poor drainage and dilapidated infrastructure in the Casa Blanca subdivision. This project is estimated to be finished by January 9, 2025. The Bosquez Road/Avenue J Drainage Improvements Project was approved for $2,453,716 in financial assistance consisting of $1,325,000 in financing and a $1,128,716 grant to address recurring flooding problems in the area. For the second project, the estimated completion date is on October 19, 2023. The Ditch “A” and Bluebonnet Drainage Improvements Project was approved for $1,311,320 in financial assistance consisting of $839,000 in financing and a $472,320 grant to address the repeated residential flooding at the Bluebonnet subdivision in the City of Robstown. The third project is estimated to be finished by June 20, 2024.

The 2019 Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 7, which created the FIF program to provide funding for flood mitigation projects. The FIF program provides financial assistance in the form of loans with an interest rate of 0% and grants for flood control, flood mitigation, and drainage projects. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and a co-author of Senate Bill 500 during the 86th Legislative Session, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental in securing funding to start the FIF program through a one-time transfer of $793 million from the “Rainy Day” Fund.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

I appreciate the leadership of the Nueces County Drainage and Conservation District No. 2 for taking advantage of the Flood Infrastructure Fund program and for their work to submit multiple applications. It’s great news that today’s actions by the TWDB, will help address poor drainage, recurring flood problems, and improve these subdivisions in the City of Robstown. The City and its citizens will greatly benefit due to these investments. “

Today, legislative committees began their investigation into the energy regulators and providers that played a role in responding to the winter storm that nearly shut down our electric grid. This week, we have learned that the record-setting temperatures shut down 48.6% of electricity generation. Five members of the ERCOT board have also resigned. Additionally, we have learned that the Texas electricity grid was minutes away from a complete shutdown that would have required a “black start” which could have taken weeks to bring the grid back online. These are serious issues and many Texans are still recovering from the physical, mental, and financial pain this storm and the loss of power caused. We will work to ensure this never happens again.

Recently, I wrote an op-ed that I am sharing with you below, regarding this issue. Also, as Vice Chair of the Senate Jurisprudence Committee, I will be joining my Senate colleagues at a hearing next Thursday, March 4th at 9:00am where we will be reviewing the governance and oversight of ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission. We will also be examining price gouging and how the judicial system is managing its operations during the ongoing statewide emergency. A live video broadcast of this hearing will be available here: https://senate.Texas.gov/av-live.php

As we continue to examine extreme weather conditions and the circumstances that led to power outages across our state, I encourage you to submit your comments by clicking on this link. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or need additional information.

AUSTIN, TX — On Tuesday, February 9, 2021, the Senate of the State of Texas adopted Senate Resolution No. 58 by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa in memory of William Aubrey Harper, Jr., who passed away on November 11, 2020 at the age of 81. Sergeant Aubrey Harper worked for the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s office for 25 years before his passing.

“Sergeant Harper dedicated his life to serving and protecting the citizens and our community with more than 37 years of law enforcement service, of which 25 years was with the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Department,” said Senator Hinojosa. “Before the Covid-19 pandemic I had the opportunity to visit with Sgt. Harper to learn about the success of his work to increase partnerships and communication with ranchers and farmers in the County. He was very proud of the loose livestock and fence damage program that is now being used as a model in many other counties across Texas,” added Senator Hinojosa. “I am honored to pass this Resolution as an expression of our appreciation and admiration of his achievements and contributions to the people of South Texas. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Sgt. Aubrey Harper. May he Rest in Peace and be in Heaven.”

A formal parchment of Senate Resolution No. 58 will be prepared for the family of Sergeant Harper and will be presented by Senator Hinojosa at a later time.

AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that the City of Corpus Christi has been awarded a $901,952 grant to replace the natural gas system at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee during the 2019 legislative session, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa supported an appropriation of $30 million for the Defense Economic Adjustment Assistance Grant (DEAAG) program to issue grants to military defense communities.

“These grants are critical for our military installations to allow them to build up their infrastructure to increase the military value of their base and help avoid a potential BRAC closure,” said Senator Hinojosa. “This grant will help replace 78-year old, steel, high pressure natural gas supply lines serving 40 tenants in approximately 75 buildings and make the system much safer and more reliable.”

The City of Corpus Christi applied for the grant in October 2020 which included a letter of support from Senator Hinojosa. After a gas leak detection study in June 2019, the City of Corpus Christi identified numerous above and below ground leaks in the natural gas system.

These projects are the continuation of the strong partnership between the City of Corpus Christi, the Navy, the Army, and the State of Texas to make security and safety improvements at the bases. The community is committed to sustaining and growing the missions of both NASCC and CCAD, and this grant funding will be an important investment for their continued growth and success.

“I am pleased the Texas Military Preparedness Commission recognized the importance of replacing the natural gas system at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi,” said Senator Hinojosa. He also added, “I appreciate the leadership of the City of Corpus Christi for working with the Navy, conducting the study, and submitting the application requesting DEAAG funds. I am committed to continue working to protect the mission of our Texas military installations.”

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Vice Chair of the Senate Special Committee on Redistricting (Committee) participated in the first regional hearing held by the Committee this legislative session. In a first for the Texas Senate, these regional hearings will allow members of the public to testify before the Committee via Zoom videoconference. This change was approved unanimously by the Texas Senate with the adoption of Senate Resolution 4, which allows the Committee to hold region-focused hearings in the Capitol, with public testimony provided via videoconference.

“The first virtual regional hearing of the Senate Redistricting Committee went very well. Allowing virtual testimony gives Texans from all across the State an opportunity to safely provide input regarding their communities and how it can be impacted with the redistricting process,” said Senator Hinojosa. “Participation in these hearings – is not optional. We must make the issues and concerns of each region known to the rest of Texas. The insights from the different regions of the State will provide the Committee with a much needed local perspective on district maps that will define the context in which we elect our leaders for the next decade.”

Senator Hinojosa encouraged the public to participate in the process by providing testimony during a virtual regional hearing, which have been organized by regions and population centers, however, the Committee will hear testimony about any part of the State at any hearing. The public in South Texas is invited to participate on the following dates:

• January 26, 2021 at 9:00am – Regional Focus: South Texas
• February 2, 2021 at 9:00am – Regional Focus: Brownsville / Harlingen / McAllen Area

Members of the public may view all upcoming Committee hearings and sign up to testify at https://bit.ly/3bWqH5b. Also, community members not available to participate in a virtual committee hearing, may submit written comments and attachments to the Committee at any time throughout the legislative redistricting process. To submit written comments and attachments via the public-input portal, please visit the Committee’s website at https://senate.texas.gov/cmte.php?c=625. All comments and attachments received via the public-input portal are shared with all Committee members and maintained in the official records.

“This is an opportunity for the public, for voters, to express their views on how congressional, legislative, and State Board of Education districts are drawn. Each one of us is affected by the decisions made by this Committee. We must speak to be heard,” Senator Hinojosa said.