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.”

Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa Named Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance

Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the Senate committee assignments for the 89th Legislative Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. He will also serve on the Senate Committees on: Border Security, Criminal Justice, Jurisprudence, and Transportation.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am honored that Lt. Governor Patrick has once again entrusted me with the important responsibility of serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. I look forward to working with Chair Joan Huffman, committee members, and the members of House Appropriations to craft a state budget that will make significant investments that will further strengthen our communities and the Texas economy. 

Earlier this week, Comptroller Glenn Hegar presented the Legislature with the Biennial Revenue Estimate, projecting an estimated $194.6 billion in General Revenue available to spend for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This includes a nearly $24 billion surplus expected at the end of fiscal year 2025, which ends on August 31 of this year. The Comptroller also estimates that the Rainy Day Fund is expected to reach its constitutional cap of $28.5 billion. Priority issues this session include funding for water infrastructure, additional investments in our public schools, pay raises for teachers, expanding access to healthcare, supporting our institutions of higher education and workforce training organizations, making insurance more affordable, investing in the electric grid, funding research for Alzheimer’s disease, among others. In addition to these statewide issues, I will also be focused on securing funding for our local priorities and passing bills that address the needs outlined in legislative agendas that have been submitted to my office.

With my committee assignments this session and throughout the legislative process, I will advocate for the needs of the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend regions. I look forward to collaborating with the members of my legislative delegation in the Texas House, as well as all members of the Texas Senate, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and Governor Greg Abbott. Together we will work to keep the Texas economy strong!”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces (part), Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part).

Today, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved a $625,000 funding request for the City of Corpus Christi to support the planning of a critical environmental project aimed at addressing emerging water contaminants. The funding, provided through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, comes with 100% principal forgiveness under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021, ensuring no financial burden on local taxpayers. The project focuses on mitigating the presence of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of potentially harmful chemicals known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body. These substances have been linked to health risks and are a growing concern in water systems across the nation.

The City of Corpus Christi has plans to expand its Greenwood Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) to meet growing demands and to incorporate PFAS treatment technologies as part of its Phase II upgrade. This planning phase includes: (1) historical analysis of PFAS sources, including industrial permits and discharge records; (2) comprehensive sampling and testing of wastewater influent, effluent, and biosolids at key sites; and (3) evaluation of treatment methods such as activated carbon absorption, ion exchange, and advanced filtration techniques through bench-scale testing. These measures will ensure compliance with environmental regulations and enhance the capacity of the wastewater treatment system to meet the demands of the city’s growing population. The project is scheduled to begin with funding closure by February 2025 and identification of optimal PFAS treatment methods by May 2025.

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

“This funding represents a significant step in ensuring the safety and sustainability of Corpus Christi’s water infrastructure. With the support of the TWDB, Corpus Christi is taking proactive measures to address these contaminants in our drinking water to protect our community. This project underscores the City Council’s commitment to environmental stewardship and public health, leveraging innovative approaches to safeguard its water resources.”

Yesterday, our House Transportation Committee Chairman Terry Canales had a press conference regarding the State Highway (SH) 68 project in Hidalgo County.

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

“I have received numerous inquiries from constituents regarding comments made by Chairman Terry Canales during his press conference yesterday about the SH 68 project. While I agree with many of the points made by my friend, Chairman Canales, I want to make clear that TxDOT has been very cooperative throughout this process. A project of this magnitude requires years of planning and development. I have met with local public officials, impacted stakeholders, local TxDOT staff, and TxDOT leadership to listen to concerns and work to address them. This is an ongoing process, and it is important that the public has access to as much information as possible.

I have reviewed reports and information provided by TxDOT and have confirmed with TxDOT leadership that there will be no traffic light at the proposed intersection of US 281/IH-69 and SH 68. Instead, there will be a seamless connection that will not cause backups for commercial vehicles. Trucks headed to the airport will have a separate exit to facilitate access. As it relates to concerns about an interchange with a flyover that would exceed the FAA’s height limitations, TxDOT has recommended an underpass, which has been done in other regions of the state. Additionally, there will be no loss of funding for the SH 68 project, as it is already fully funded. According to TXDOT administration, this proposed connector at US 281/IH-69 and SH 68 is expected to meet our needs for another 50 years. To this point, Chairman Canales and I, along with other stakeholders, will be meeting with Texas Transportation Commission Chairman J. Bruce Bugg, Jr., and TxDOT engineers, to discuss the various options and finalize a decision based on what is best for the region. 

Completing a project of this size is a lengthy process. We will continue to work with TxDOT to take care of the transportation needs of our region and deliver projects that make our roads safer for our families, improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and help grow our economy.”

The Children’s Hospital Association of Texas (CHAT) is proud to announce that Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious “Children’s Health Care Hero Award.” This award is presented to legislators who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and support for initiatives aimed at improving children’s healthcare.

Senator Hinojosa received the award today at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg. He was recognized for his unwavering advocacy within the legislature to enhance healthcare services for children and his steadfast commitment to ensuring fair Medicaid funding for hospitals in his district, such as Driscoll Children’s Hospital.

In response to receiving this recognition, Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“I am honored and touched to be named the recipient of the ‘Children’s Health Care Hero’ award. Our children are a gift from God and the key to their future is good health. Children’s hospitals throughout our state, including Driscoll Children’s Hospital, have earned a reputation for delivering exceptional care, utilizing cutting-edge medical technology, and employing some of the most skilled surgeons, physicians, and healthcare professionals. Healthcare is not a luxury, it is a necessity. I remain committed to advocating for and supporting our children’s hospitals, ensuring they have the resources necessary to care for the most precious members of our families – our children.”

Senator Hinojosa also expressed his gratitude to Stacy Wilson, President of CHAT, for her outstanding leadership on matters affecting children’s hospitals and children’s mental and behavioral health. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to Eric Hamon, President & CEO of Driscoll Health System, for his dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive, specialized care to children and families in the Coastal Bend and the Rio Grande Valley.

This year’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled to begin this Friday, August 9^th and goes through midnight Sunday, August 11th, offering Texans with an opportunity to save millions in sales tax on clothing and various back-to-school items. With the new school about to begin, the timing is perfect for students of all ages to stock up on clothes and supplies.

“The back-to-school season is a great chance for Texas families to score deals and save money, while also supporting our local businesses. I urge families to make the most of the sales tax holiday this weekend to stretch their hard-earned dollars further. You can shop either in stores or online with Texas-based sellers,” Senator Hinojosa stated.

Texans who shop during the sales tax holiday will not have to pay sales taxes on most clothing, footwear, school supplies, and backpacks priced under $100. Items sold online and layaway plans also qualify. For more information and a complete list of tax-free items, please visit the Texas Comptroller’s webpage: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/