AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Texas Senate passed three disaster relief bills joint authored by State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa to address lessons learned from Hurricane Harvey by preparing our state for future hurricanes and natural disasters, including ways to address flood response and clean-up (SB 6), flood project funding (SB 7), and state and regional flood planning (SB 8).

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“A year ago, I wrote an editorial titled “Investments in Flood and Drought Control Should be Proactive, Not Reactive.” I wrote this after Hurricane Harvey dropped 50 inches of rain in the Houston area and a few days before the Rio Grande Valley received 15 inches of rain in a two-day period, causing significant flooding and damage to our communities. The three bills we passed today, and are now headed to the Texas House for consideration, will allow us to address current challenges, lessons learned, and will help us be better prepared for future natural disasters.

These bills will allow our local officials who have been working and developing plans to improve drainage infrastructure access funds needed to see these projects to completion. These are smart investments, as Comptroller Hegar recently noted that mitigation spending has a four-to-one payback ratio.

We cannot control the weather, but with the proper planning, preparation, and investments we can minimize the impact of significant weather events, which are happening more frequently, and can help save lives and protect our property. I am proud to be a joint author and look forward to working with my colleagues as these bills move through the legislative process.”

SB 6 would require the Texas Department of Emergency Management to create a disaster response plan for local officials. This plan is designed to reduce the confusion and delay after an event by providing local government with resources needed to effectively prepare and recover from disasters.

SB 7 would create the flood infrastructure fund to support flood projects throughout the state. The fund would be managed by the Texas Water Development Board and overseen by an advisory committee composed of the same members that serve on the State Water Implementation Fund for Texas Advisory Committee. The Texas Water Development Board may use the fund to make grants or provide zero/low-interest loans to eligible local governments for flood planning projects. The bill includes transparency and reporting requirements which ensure that Texans will be informed on the completion and financial projects.

SB 8 would direct the state’s water planning agency to devise a statewide flood plan. The plan would be required to provide for flood preparation and response, to guide state and local flood control policy, and, if possible, to contribute to water development. This bill also includes about $150 million to repair all of the 500 high-hazard dams throughout the state.

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committee on Texas Ports.

AUSTIN, TX — Recently, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined Senator Joan Huffman, Chair of the Senate State Affairs Committee, as joint-author of Senate Bill 12, the Retired Teachers’ Security Act. This bill, if passed, will bring actuarial soundness to the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) and provide our retired teachers with a 13th check.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“The long-term sustainability of TRS has been a priority and I am proud to join Senator Huffman as joint-author of Senate Bill 12 (SB 12). Our retired and current teachers deserve a system that is actuarially sound and can guarantee that a retiree will receive a retirement paycheck they worked hard to earn.

SB 12 and the teacher pay raise bill, SB 3, are proof that the advocacy, engagement, and call to action from our teacher groups and retirees across the state made a difference. I look forward to supporting this bill as it moves through the legislative process.”

The introduced Senate budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 also includes $231 million for TRS HealthCare to help ensure the solvency of the fund.

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committee on Texas Ports.

AUSTIN, TX — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa recently filed Senate Bill 858, the Senate companion to House Bill 1521 by Representative Burrows, to address the challenges faced by first responders trying to get compensation for work-related injuries or health issues. This bill would not only specify that self-insuring political subdivisions could be sued for violation of the Texas Workers’ Compensation Act, but also allow the commissioner of the Division of Workers’ Compensation to assess a penalty against a political subdivision that fails to cover a filed claim.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Our first responders have earned and deserve our support, including our firefighters who do not hesitate to enter into a burning building or home to save lives and property. Likewise, we shouldn’t turn our backs on them when their life is in danger. We must do everything possible to provide them with the life-saving healthcare they need and the benefits they have earned, especially when the health issues are caused by their line of work.

The current process used by workers’ comp insurers takes too long and takes advantage of the fact that our first responders don’t have the time or resources to fight a claim. They often settle for nothing to avoid a lengthy fight that in the long run only benefits the insurance companies. This bill makes the needs and benefits of our first responders the priority.” 

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committee on Texas Ports.

AUSTIN, TX — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa recently filed Senate Bill (SB) 1325 which, if passed, will make it easier for a person married to a military service member or veteran to obtain an occupational license or revalidate an existing license from another state. Texas is home to thousands of military families, consisting of veterans, active-duty service members, spouses, and dependents.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Our military spouses face frequent moves and parenting responsibilities that often make it challenging for them to get a job. They face further barriers with burdensome state and local occupational licensing regulations. The occupational licensing reforms in my bill will help maximize employment opportunities for our military families and will show our state’s continued commitment to welcoming them to Texas.”

SB 1325 will continue to aid military members or spouses by extending the fee waivers established by Senate Bill 807 in 2015 to include any relevant local fees. The bill will also provide for licensing reciprocity for veterans, their spouses, and for military spouses who hold a current license issued by another jurisdiction for which the licensing requirements are substantially equivalent to those in Texas. Additionally, SB 1325 will create a comprehensive website for military members or dependents to locate license reciprocity information.

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committee on Texas Ports.

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Texas Ports. Lt. Governor Patrick originally created the Select Committee during the 84th Legislature and has reactivated it for the 86th Legislature. Senator Hinojosa was previously appointed to the Select Committee on Texas Ports during the 84th Legislature.

Other members of the Committee include Chairman Brandon Creighton, Vice Chair Carol Alvarado, and Senators Lois Kolkhorst, Eddie Lucio, Jr., Jane Nelson, and Larry Taylor. 

Senator Hinojosa offered the following statement regarding his appointment:

“I thank Lt. Governor Patrick for reappointing me to the Select Committee on Texas Ports. I look forward to resuming the work we started under Chairman Creighton’s leadership two sessions ago.

Clearly, our sea and inland ports are vital to the success of Texas’ economy. We are blessed with a beautiful stretch of coastline offering our economy and businesses greater access to trade and commerce through our seaports. We also benefit enormously from the trade along our border with Mexico — Texas’ largest trading partner at nearly $200 billion a year.

It is critical that we focus on maintaining the success of our Texas ports, as they generate over $270 billion a year in economic development and $6 billion in state and local taxes per year. Our ports also create 1.4 million jobs and more than $80 billion in personal income.”

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture; and Select Committee on Texas Ports.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, the Senate Committee on Property Tax voted 4-0 to favorably report Senate Bill 2 (SB 2) to the full Senate. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was present, not voting on SB 2, otherwise known as the Property Tax Reform and Relief Act of 2019.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“While I support 97.5% of this bill, I cannot support the other 2.5%. Specifically, I cannot support the 2.5% “voter-approved rate” currently in SB 2. While the existing 8% rate is too high, the 2.5% rate is too low and would jeopardize the ability of local governments to provide crucial services to their communities.

There is no doubt that property tax appraisals are increasing faster than our paychecks. Property taxpayers need relief. However, we should find a balanced approach that does not tie the hands of our local elected officials and hinder their ability to provide basic services and public safety.

The largest budget expenditure by local governments is public safety. On average, 60% of their budget supports our police officers and firefighters. With a 2.5% cap, SB 2 could hinder our local governments’ ability to keep our communities safe and to fund other necessary services and infrastructure.

Instead of applying a one size fits all approach to our vast state, to provide true property tax relief we should focus more on school finance reform. School taxes are the largest portion of our property tax bill. We should also eliminate unfunded mandates by the state.

I look forward to continue working with my colleagues to find consensus on a fair and equitable solution that improves the property tax and appraisal process without hindering our local communities’ ability to fund public safety, education, indigent health care, and the infrastructure needed to continue Texas’ prosperity.”

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; and, Agriculture.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, Senator Paul Bettencourt, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Property Tax, filed Senate Bill 2 cited as the Property Tax Reform and Relief Act of 2019. The proposed legislation lowers the rollback rate from the current 8% to 2.5% for taxing entities that collect more than $15 million in tax revenue annually. This bill also makes changes to the appraisal process.

Senator Hinojosa, the only South Texas and border member of the Property Tax Committee issued the following statement:

“The filing of Senate Bill 2 means we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Property tax reform is a top priority for the Legislature this session. As a member of the Property Tax Committee, I have the opportunity to advocate for our working families burdened with paying a property tax bill that sometimes feels like a second mortgage.

This bill is just a starting point, and I am committed to working with Chairman Bettencourt and the members of the committee to find a fair and equitable solution to our broken property tax system. This solution must include assurances that we will have sufficient revenue to properly fund public safety, education for our children, health care for our most vulnerable, and infrastructure for our continued growth and prosperity.”

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; and, Agriculture.

AUSTIN, TX – Yesterday, Senator Hinojosa filed Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) No. 13 to protect Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park from the proposed construction of a border wall through this treasured site.  This SCR, if passed, would urge the United States Congress to oppose construction of a border wall through the 600 acre park along the Rio Grande which serves as a wildlife corridor that allows native species to survive.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement on the filing of this SCR:

“Bentsen State Park is one of the RGV’s most treasured and visited sites. Not only is it part of the World Birding Center which attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually, it is also a gathering place for families and friends of all ages and economic status. Our state parks protect our native wildlife and also help promote a healthy lifestyle for our residents. I will do everything I can to protect this park for our children, grandchildren and future generations.”

Senator Hinojosa previously sent a letter to the U.S. Border Patrol Branch Chief expressing his concerns about the proposed wall and the impact it would have on park operations, wildlife habitat, and public visitation that would lead to a decrease in public visits and even possible closure. Senator Hinojosa encouraged border patrol to continue exploring alternatives to the wall project and noted that as vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee and member of the conference committee that writes the final budget, he has secured millions for the Texas Parks and Wildlife to protect our border and provide safety for those visiting the park.

In the letter to U.S. Border Patrol Senator Hinojosa made the following request:

“I am requesting that CBP work with TPWD to look for alternatives to reduce or limit the damage done to Bentsen State Park. Border security is best achieved through collaborative working relationships and enhanced communication between our federal, state, and local law enforcement.”

A concurrent resolution is used when both chambers have an interest in a particular matter. Such resolutions may originate in either chamber but must be adopted by both. Concurrent resolutions may be used to memorialize (petition) the U.S. Congress to take certain action. Concurrent resolutions, except those that pertain solely to matters between the two chambers, must be submitted to the governor for approval.

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; and, Agriculture.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced Senate committee assignments for the 86th Legislative Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee for the six consecutive session. He will continue his appointments to the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development. Senator Hinojosa has also been appointed to the newly created Senate Committee on Property Tax and the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

Senator Hinojosa’s continued appointment as Vice Chair of Senate Finance and his new appointment to the Property Tax Committee secures his influential leadership position and his significant impact on the state budget-writing process that will benefit the South Texas region.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am honored that Lt. Governor Patrick has again entrusted me with the important responsibility of serving as Vice Chair of Senate Finance. I look forward to working with Chair Nelson, the committee members, and House Appropriations to craft a state budget that addresses our state’s needs and makes the investments necessary to continue Texas’ economic growth.

I am also privileged to have been named to the new Property Tax Committee. Finding a solution to skyrocketing property taxes that is fair, equitable, and meets the needs of Texans is a priority.

It is a real problem when the property tax bills being paid by our working families are as much as a mortgage payment. Our families should not be priced out of their homes because of a broken tax system.

As in past sessions, there will not be enough money available to do all the things we would like. However, I am committed to working with my colleagues to find ways to fund education and essential healthcare services, invest in our youth and workforce through education and skills training, create more jobs, and invest in the infrastructure we need for future success.  

South Texas continues to grow and I am pleased that through my committee appointments I will be able to keep the needs of our region at the forefront. I look forward to working with my Senate and House colleagues to bring forth practical solutions that will benefit our Texas families and ensure our state’s continued prosperity.”  

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; and, Agriculture.

Austin, TX – Yesterday, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined Senator Jane Nelson, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, as co-author of Senate Bill 3.This bill, if passed, will provide Texas’ 350,000 classroom teachers a permanent $5,000 salary increase.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

I am proud to join Senator Nelson as co-author of Senate Bill 3. Our teachers are key to a quality education. They are the backbone of our education system and this pay raise is long overdue.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure this pay increase for our teachers as well as reforming our public school finance system. The reforms should aim to provide an equal playing field to ensure similar access to educational funds for every public school system regardless of wealth or location. Education is the best equalizer. We must give our school children the best resources we can for them to succeed.”

The introduced Senate budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 totals $62.2 billion for public education, which a 12.5 percent increase (or a $6.9 billion), in comparison to the current biennium. The initial proposed increases includes the $3.7 billion for the increased teacher salary, $2.3 billion for property tax relief, $0.9 billion in the Foundation School Program (FSP), and $204.7 million in Federal Funds. Appropriations for the FSP include an estimated $2.4 billion for student enrollment growth.

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, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs.