AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa as Co-Chair of the Joint Interim Committee on Disclosure of Emergency Call Information. The committee is charged with studying the process, handling, and disclosure of emergency call recordings made by individuals who subsequently die from the emergency described in their call.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement on his appointment to this committee:

“Thank you to Lt. Governor Patrick for appointing me as Co-Chair of the Joint Interim Committee on Disclosure of Emergency Call Information.  This is an extremely sensitive and challenging issue in that we must balance our 1st Amendment rights and the public’s right to know, with the personal privacy of families who have lost loved ones in a tragic situation and have had their anguish recorded and replayed through the disclosure of a 911 recording of a loved one’s emergency call.  We must come up with a solution that protects the privacy and heartaches of the families who have lost loved ones, while at the same time protects the public’s right to know.”

Other members of the committee include: Sen. Donna Campbell, Sen. Bob Hall, Sen. Don Huffines, and Sen. Jose Rodriguez.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. 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 as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

McALLEN, TX –  This Friday, a groundbreaking ceremony will take place for the long-awaited Raymondville Drain Project, a 63 mile drainage improvement system that will benefit Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties. As the largest regional project in the Rio Grande Valley, there has been significant public and governmental support for this project as it will allow for the future economic growth of our cities and communities by decreasing detrimental flooding events.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement in anticipation of Friday’s groundbreaking:

“The Raymondville Drain project is a huge undertaking of enormous significance that will provide storm water management to our entire region and will continue the economic growth of our communities. The groundbreaking ceremony today is an important milestone in seeing this project come to fruition.

Over the last few years, we have worked tirelessly to identify and secure sources of available funds that would not burden our taxpayers or Hidalgo County. To date, I have helped secure $17.1 million in state funding for the Raymondville Drain and I am proud of our efforts to provide tremendous flood control for our communities.

Thank you to Hidalgo County, Hidalgo County Precinct 4 Commissioner Joseph Palacios, our local state and federal legislative delegation, as well as the citizens of Hidalgo County who have voted to support this project through local bonds.”

Recently, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved $4.5 million in funding for Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1 to finance costs of the  multi-phase drainage project known as the Raymondville Drain Project for Flood Control. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental in authoring and securing a budget rider last session for this funding that directs the TWDB to allocate these funds. In the last biennium, the TWDB also allocated $5.6 million as a result of the same budget rider; and this past spring, TCEQ announced a $7 million grant from the Texas RESTORE Act grants made possible through the efforts of Hidalgo County Drainage District No.1 and Senator Hinojosa.

The Raymondville Drain groundbreaking event will take place on Friday, October 6 at 10:00 a.m. in Edinburg close to FM 2812 and Seminary Road.

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 as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN, TX – Tomorrow commemorates the legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, a Mexican-American civil rights leader who founded the American GI forum and fought for the rights of Hispanics in this country. In 2009, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa designated the third Wednesday in September as Hector P. Garcia Day through Senate Bill 495. The bill authorized the observance of the day by schools and state agencies to honor Dr. Garcia and teach our younger generations about his legacy. Senator Hinojosa also passed a resolution naming a portion of State Highway 286 the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Highway in Corpus Christi.

Dr. Hector P. Garcia was a legendary physician and World War II Veteran who fought for the rights of Hispanics and veterans who were denied educational, medical and housing opportunities. A man who served and advocated for the most vulnerable and underserved portions in our communities, he reminds us that serving our community is an act of selflessness.

Senator Hinojosa commented on the value of commemorating Dr. Garcia’s contributions:

“It is important that our Texas youths learn about an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to public service and who broke down the barriers that existed at the time. Dr. Garcia made a significant difference in the freedoms we now enjoy and was able to advance the interests of Hispanics, even in the highest levels of government.

Dr. Garcia embodies the spirit of selflessness and public service. As a private American citizen, Dr. Garcia exercised his constitutional rights to elevate awareness about the plight of neglected Americans. As a physician, he provided access to medical care to underserved communities.  As a soldier, he demonstrated valor and sacrifice as he fought to protect our liberties. Dr. Garcia left us a legacy and his memory serves as lessons to us all.”

Dr. Garcia received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and earned a Bronze Star for his military service and six battle stars while protecting our way of life. He served as an advisor to Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter and served as the first Hispanic on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

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 as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa to the Joint Interim Committee on Higher Education Formula Funding. The committee is charged with preparing recommendations for realignment and/or possible elimination of non-formula support items and improvements of formula funding for institutions of higher education.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement on the importance of this committee and the need for a strong higher education funding plan:

Investing in our institutions of higher education is key to the future growth and success of Texas. Funding for higher education in the state budget plays a critical role in ensuring that our universities are providing our students with the tools they need to successfully complete their degrees. They also allow universities to collaborate with their communities to help address local challenges and respond to workforce needs.

It is imperative that we have discussions surrounding the possible realignment of formula funding and that we work to improve the way our institutions of higher education are funded. I am honored to have been appointed to this Joint Interim Committee so that South Texas is at the forefront of these critical discussions.

Higher education special items are items in the state budget that are not supported through formula funding and support the special mission of the institution. Special items can also be used to support new academic programs or address geographic disparities and other inequities among institutions.

Other members of the committee include: Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills (co-chair); Sen. Lois Kolkhorst, R-Brenham; Sen. Donna Campbell, R-New Braunfels; and Sen. Charles Schwertner, R-Georgetown.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. 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 as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Today, Governor Abbott along with Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp, visited Corpus Christi to announce the Governor’s Commission to Rebuild Texas. The Commission, led by Chancellor Sharp, will oversee the response and relief efforts between state and local governments to ensure victims of Hurricane Harvey get everything they need as quickly as possible.

The Commission will provide a single point of contact and authority for overseeing the rebuilding of public infrastructure — focusing on restoring roads, bridges, schools and government buildings in impacted communities. While there may be some overlap, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will have responsibility for assisting individuals with homes damaged or lost in the storm. This effort does not override or replace the excellent disaster management efforts currently underway through FEMA and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa offered the following remarks:

“Although the storm has passed, the long road to recovery is just beginning and we need a strong and collaborative team to rebuild our great state. Now is the critical time that our communities and families are in great need of resources, funding, and clear direction on how to begin rebuilding their lives.

I commend Governor Abbott for creating the Commission to work towards a quick recovery response for our devastated communities. Chancellor John Sharp was the perfect selection to lead this Commission and I thank him for his leadership in this challenging role.”

In addition to today’s visit to Corpus Christi, Governor Abbott and Chancellor Sharp will travel to regions impacted by Hurricane Harvey to meet with local officials regarding the needs of their communities. They will receive on-site briefings on the current response efforts and the ongoing recovery process. State agencies will also play a major role in coordinating with the Commission.

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 as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, the Trump Administration announced the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Ending DACA is cruel and morally unacceptable. This is not who we are as a country. We are not about hate or people ready to kick out young adults who were brought to this country as innocent children. Young adults who consider themselves Americans and who are proud of their country.

To end DACA is also shortsighted and works against America’s future growth and success. DREAMers make us more competitive as a nation and as a state by fostering economic growth, developing new ideas, and bettering our society. They are not eligible for welfare or any government benefits, yet DREAMers pay over $2 billion in state and local taxes each year.

Texas has always supported our DREAMers and was one of the first states to allow these high school graduates to pay in-state tuition. And the result has been tremendous — these DREAMers have excelled. They study hard, work hard, and contribute significantly to our society. Thousands have pursued their academic dreams and have entered our Texas workforce bolstering our economy. Without DREAMers our country would lose about $280 billion over a ten year period.

DREAMers live in our communities, they work with us in the Texas Legislature, they teach our children in classrooms, they provide healthcare in our hospitals, and most importantly, they are our family and friends.

We have made a significant educational investment in these students and they have not let us down. We cannot now let them down. Congress must act to provide a pathway for them to stay in our country. Legislators must put people over politics and craft a compassionate solution. I stand with these DREAMers and their families and offer support in this time of uncertainty.” 

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 Finance Committee, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs; and  Transportation as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN, TX –  Texas’s highly successful annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled this year for Friday, August 11 through Sunday, August 13 and will offer Texans an opportunity to save millions in sales tax on clothing and various back-to-school items.  With the new school year almost upon us, the timing is perfect for students of all ages to stock up on clothes and supplies.

“The back-to-school season is an excellent opportunity for our Texas families to find bargains and low prices, and at the same time is an economic driver for our local businesses. I encourage you to take full advantage of the tax holiday and save more of your hard earned dollars by shopping during this coming weekend,” Senator Hinojosa stated.

Texans who shop during this weekend will not have to pay taxes on clothing, school supplies, or footwear priced under $100 and includes such items as baby clothes, diapers, and work uniforms. Items sold online as well as layaway plans also qualify. The following link to the Texas Comptroller’s webpage will provide more information and a complete list of tax-free items:

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. 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 as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

A public information request was recently made to my office by Agua SUD for all documents related to Senate Bill 814, legislation I passed this session to increase transparency and curb conflicts of interests within the Agua SUD board. Today, I am releasing all information our office has on this issue, including all correspondence and documents in compliance with the Texas Public Information Act. Agua SUD should do the same and comply with all open records requests made by members of the public.

Since October of 2016 Agua SUD has received more than 30 open records requests from news outlets such as the Progress Times, The Monitor, Valley Central Channel 4, and other individuals requesting copies of all professional services agreements between Agua SUD and all the consultants they have hired. They refuse to release this public information and instead have appealed to the Attorney General’s office for an official opinion of whether they must do so.

These are taxpayer funds they are dealing with. The public has a right to know why, when, and how our government entities spend taxpayer money. Instead, Agua SUD is politicizing a taxpayer utility district for their own political agenda. I am amazed at the amount of time, energy, and taxpayer money that they are willing to waste to protect themselves and keep the public in the dark.

Agua SUD is an important utility district in one of the fastest growing areas in Hidalgo County. There must be transparency, accountability and protections of taxpayer money.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Criminal Justice; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, the Texas Legislature adjourned Sine Die for the 85th Regular Session. Sine Die is the last day of the 140 days every-odd numbered year the Texas Legislature meets.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Despite a difficult and challenging session, I am proud of what we accomplished this session for South Texas and the entire State. We had important legislative victories and crafted a balanced budget that takes care of Texans. This session I passed about 60 individual pieces of important legislation and secured millions of dollars for our priorities in South Texas and the Coastal Bend regions.

As Vice Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and one of five Senate conferees on SB 1, the state’s General Appropriations Act, I was involved in countless hours of budget negotiations that resulted in many of the cuts in the original version of the budget being restored.

In the final budget, I was able to secure $53.5 million for our medical school at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). I was also able to secure first time ever funding for the Lone Star Unmanned Aircraft  Systems program at Texas A&M- Corpus Christi (TAMUCC), and $40 million for infrastructure to improve access to and from our Texas ports.

Although a tight budget for the next two years, it is fiscally responsible and invests in infrastructure, border security, healthcare, and our students. The budget will pave the way for an educated and healthy workforce and a successful Texas economy.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Criminal Justice; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, House Bill 351 authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Senator Judith Zaffirini, and Representative Terry Canales was sent to the Governor’s Desk with overwhelming approval from the Texas Legislature. HB 351 includes comprehensive changes recommended by the Texas Judicial Council to provide judges with new tools and procedures to hold low-income Texans accountable without jail time when they cannot pay their fines and court costs in criminal cases. 

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Our current system is counter-productive, and it traps people into a cycle of debt when they cannot pay their tickets and other low-level, fine-only citations. Our current practice also leads to license suspensions and arrest warrants. In 2015, fines in over 677,00 cases were satisfied through jail credit and over 230,000 Texas were unable to renew expired licenses until their fines and fees were paid off.

HB 351 allows courts to ask about a defendant’s ability to pay during the sentencing phase. After making that determination, courts would be allowed to reduce or waive fines and costs and offer community service as an alternative. In 2015, judges resolved fine-only cases with community service just 1.3 percent of the time. HB 351 seeks to put the justice system’s time and resources to more efficient use by holding people accountable while saving money and increasing public safety.”

As a condition of community supervision, HB 351 also allows a judge to require participation in a pretrial diversion program.  Furthermore, the bill extends the “Commission to Study Certain Penal Codes” to review criminal offenses outside the penal code and updates the threshold ladder for forgery crimes related to fake checks, money orders and other simple transactions to match the penalty ladder for the rest of Texas’ theft offenses.  Current law designates “fake checks” to be an automatic state jail felony. This would create consistency and keep non-violent offenders out of Texas state jails.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. 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 as well as the Sunset Advisory Commission.