AUSTIN, TX- Today, at the Texas Transportation Commission (TxDOT) meeting, $60 million was committed to border districts for border infrastructure and transportation projects as a result of a rider authored and placed in the state budget by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa.

Rider 11b in the Transportation bill pattern of the state budget for 2016-17, also known as the Border Infrastructure Rider, directs TxDOT to allocate funds for improvements designated to facilitate traffic and improve the efficiency of border inspection and security processes at land ports of entry along the Texas-Mexico border. Today the Commission announced that the amount of funding associated with this rider would be $60 million and will formally be approved at next month’s meeting.

Senator Hinojosa was in attendance at the hearing today to offer his thanks to TxDOT and as well as to highlight the importance of the border to our Texas economy:

“I thank the Commission for taking action on Rider 11(b) and allocating $60 million for border infrastructure funding. Continuing to invest in border infrastructure to fund improvements designated to facilitate the movement of people and goods is an important investment for the future of all Texans since transportation is the lifeblood of our economy.

Our border bridges facilitate trade with Mexico and is Texas’ largest trading partner at $200 billion a year. This is a significant benefit to our state, and the people from Mexico who come into our communities to shop, eat, and spend money increases the sales tax to our local communities as well as to our state.

I encourage TxDOT to continue supporting investment in border infrastructure and future projects as it is the future of Texas.”

 Senator Hinojosa also proudly introduced many individuals from along the border  who were also in attendance to support the funding for border infrastructure:

• Pete Sepulveda, Cameron County Judge
• Bobby Villarreal, Representing Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia
• Jim Darling, Mayor, City of McAllen
• Rigo Villarreal, McAllen Superintendent of Bridges
• Mathew McElroy, El Paso Bridge Director
• Jesse Hereford, Border Trade Alliance
• David Guerra & Gerry Schuekel, Representing IBC Bank
• Ryan Rapelye, Assistant City Manager, City of Del Rio
• Randy Sweeten, Chairman, Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority

 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 – At their quarterly meeting on Thursday, January 21, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) will honor Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi (TAMUCC) with a “Recognition of Excellence” award for The College of Nursing and Health Sciences’ eLine Military Program. The innovative program gives college credit to members of the military and veterans for their medical experience in the service.

The eLine Military Program’s unique mission fills two critical needs in our state, a nursing shortage and civilian employment for military veterans. Often when individuals leave the military, their training and experience does not translate easily to civilian life, particularly those who served in a medical capacity as medics or corpsmen. Through this program, their hands-on experience can be given college credit and translate into the credentials needed or recognized in the civilian world.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

 “Congratulations to Texas A&M University -Corpus Christi for achieving such a Recognition of Excellence. The eLine Military Program is a unique solution to many of the challenges our military and veterans face when returning to civilian life. As a Vietnam Veteran, I appreciate the great benefits this program has for our servicemen and women who are looking to further their education and employment. The program also has a significant impact to our communities by reducing our statewide nursing shortage so that more nurses and healthcare providers are available to treat our families.” 

In 2006, to address the shortage of nurses, particularly in South Texas, Senator Hinojosa worked to secure $45 million from the Legislature for a new 165,000 square foot nursing, health sciences and kinesiology facility at TAMUCC. In 2007 there were 1,089 students in the nursing program; by 2010 when the new building opened, there were 2,081 students, Thanks to the funding to make the new facility a reality, TAMUCC doubled their students to educate nurses to serve in our communities.

The recipient of the 2013 American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) “Innovations in Professional Nursing Education Award”, the eLine Military Program started in 2010 and has repeatedly been recognized by the White House and the Department of Defense as a model that can be used by other nursing schools across the country.

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.

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TX – Today, the Inaugural Commencement exercises were held for the first graduates of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, a historic moment full of excitement and pride. In 2013, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa authored and passed Senate Bill 24, the legislation that created UTRGV and its long-awaited medical school.

Senator Hinojosa was awarded the President’s Medallion for the key role he played in establishing UTRGV and his continued support of the university. President Guy Bailey praised Senator Hinojosa for passing countless laws in his career as a state legislator and having secured hundreds of millions of dollars for South Texas.

“Senator Hinojosa has been a tireless champion for UTRGV and it is not an exaggeration to say that without him, we would not be here today,” stated President Bailey

Senator Hinojosa expressed his gratitude with the following remarks:

“I thank UTRGV and President Bailey for such a prestigious award and I am honored and humbled to be here today, where many years of tireless efforts and commitment by the entire Rio Grande Valley have finally come to fruition. Of all the legislation I have ever carried in the Texas Senate and the Texas House, this has been my most important bill. The vision of a new university and a medical school has transformed a dream into a reality right here in the Valley.

I congratulate all the students for their hard work and commitment and the parents for their support. Education is the best equalizer we have in our society. Education gives you knowledge, and knowledge gives you the power to succeed. Congratulations to all 2015 UTRGV graduates and the best of luck in your future!”

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-Chair 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 – Today, the Texas Transportation Commission awarded $3.33 million in grant funds to the City of Edinburg for the South Texas International Airport at Edinburg (STIA). The funds are from the federal Airport and Airway Improvement Act and the state Aviation Facilities Development and Financial Assistance Act.

Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the Texas general aviation system, of which the STIA is a part of. The STIA is one of over 300 general aviation airports in Texas and was among the 9 recipients of financial assistance from TxDOT.

This funding also includes the $3 million Senator Hinojosa secured through Rider 50 in TxDOTs budget during the legislative session for the STIA. These funds are for the engineering design and construction for a hangar to be utilized by the Department of Public Safety to stage emergency response equipment as well as aircraft.

Senator Hinojosa commented on the award’s significance to the City of Edinburg and the South Texas region.

“It is a priority to ensure the safety and security of our families living along the border. Adding a hangar to be used by DPS to stage emergency response equipment and aircraft will allow for a more rapid response in emergency situations. I am pleased the Texas Transportation Commission added an additional $300,000 to the $3 million the Legislature authorized through Rider 50,” said Hinojosa.

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 Legislative Budget Board (LBB), and the Sunset Advisory Commission.

Today the Texas Transportation Commission appointed James Bass to lead TxDOT as the new Executive Director. I have worked with Mr. Bass over many years and I am confident that he has the experience and leadership to effectively guide the agency.

As an employee for over thirty years and as the CFO for the past ten years, James Bass has invaluable institutional knowledge that will be a tremendous asset for TxDOT.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and as a member of the Senate Select Transportation Planning Committee, I look forward to working with Mr. Bass on finding solutions to meet the transportation needs of all of Texas. Congratulations Mr. Bass!

 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 Legislative Budget Board (LBB), and the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN – Today, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law HB 2037 authored by State Representative Charlie Geren and sponsored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, a bill that relates to compensation for certain peace officers. HB 2037 ensures that Attorney General peace officers are compensated at the equivalent rank of other state police officers.

The Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Division and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit currently consist of 167 commissioned peace officers that are compensated under Schedule B of the General Appropriations Act and are classified as Investigators III-VII, Managers III-IV, and Directors I-II. HB 2037 provides that these peace officers are paid according to the Class C salary schedule, which governs commissioned law enforcement positions.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am pleased Governor Abbott signed into law this measure that addresses the inequality in compensation of officers employed by the Attorney General. The duties of the Attorney General’s law enforcement division include important tasks of conducting criminal investigations, apprehending fugitives and internet predators, and providing assistance to law enforcement.

Yet, the Attorney General state police officers are compensated at approximately $20,000 less than the equivalent rank of other state police officers. I am proud that we addressed this disparity among our state law enforcement officers.”

Under HB 2037, commissioned peace officers within the Office of Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Division and Medicaid Fraud Control Unit would be classified as Sergeants, Lieutenants, Captains, and Majors under Schedule C. HB 2037 also allows the attorney general peace officers to qualify for hazardous duty pay and injury leave.

The Attorney General’s Law Enforcement Division is comprised of several components that conduct complex investigations that other agencies do not have the expertise or resources to investigate. These specialized units include: Cyber Crimes, Computer Forensics, Fugitive Apprehension, and Special Investigations. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit investigates and prosecutes criminal fraud by Medicaid providers, physical abuse and criminal neglect at Medicaid-funded healthcare facilities, and the embezzlement of funds. In the past decade, the unit obtained about 1,400 criminal indictments and recovered approximately $1.2 billion taxpayer dollars, about half of which was returned to General Revenue.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa serves 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 Legislative Budget Board (LBB), and the Sunset Advisory Commission.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) approved $2.6 million in financial assistance to the South Texas International Airport at Edinburg (STIA) for an apron expansion.

Federal law authorizes the award of federal funding to preserve and improve the Texas general aviation system, of which the STIA is a part of.  The STIA is one of over 300 general aviation airports in Texas and was among the 8 recipients of financial assistance from TxDOT.

This funding is in addition to the $3 million Senator Hinojosa secured during the legislative session for the STIA. These funds will be used for a hangar expansion which will be utilized by the Department of Public Safety to stage emergency response equipment as well as aircraft.

Senator Hinojosa commented on the award’s significance to the City of Edinburg and the South Texas region.

“As South Texas continues to grow at a remarkable rate, investments in the state transportation network are vital for future growth opportunities.  This type of investment in Edinburg will yield positive results for the city’s competitiveness and strategic location,” said Senator Hinojosa.

“Improving all modes of transportation means that we can move products and services throughout our state in a more efficient and effective manner which ultimately translates to more economic activity and jobs,” Hinojosa added.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa filed for re-election to the Texas Senate. After putting South Texas at the forefront of critical state budget negotiations as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee for the last four legislative sessions, Senator Hinojosa seeks re-election to a fourth term. Senator Hinojosa intends to continue his work for Senate District 20 in creating jobs, furthering economic development, advancing infrastructure projects, and providing for an educated and healthy workforce.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

 “I am honored to file for re-election to the Texas Senate to represent Senate District 20. South Texas is playing a larger role in shaping our state’s future. Now more than ever Texas faces critical issues and challenges, and we need experienced leaders who have the courage to put people over politics and govern with compassion.

 It is a privilege to serve the constituents of Senate District 20 and I look forward to continue advocating to make Texas a better place to live for all our families. Semper Fi.”

 Known for his ability to work across party lines, rise above petty politics, and get things done for working Texans, Senator Hinojosa’s experience and leadership has helped craft balanced budgets addressing many of our state’s needs that have paved the way for a successful Texas economy. As Vice Chair of Senate Finance, he has secured millions of dollars in funding for Senate District 20 priorities that will create local economic development and opportunities.

 Senator Hinojosa championed historic legislation in 2013 with the passage of Senate Bill 24 creating the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the first ever Medical School in South Texas. This expansion of educational opportunities will create greater access to healthcare, more jobs, a healthy educated workforce, and a great economic boost to our families and communities in South Texas.

He has also secured over $800 million in funding for the Harbor Bridge replacement project in Corpus Christi. More than a decade of planning and development has come to fruition and will ensure the Coastal Bend will thrive as a local and international port promising economic growth, prosperity, and jobs for years to come.

Numerous pieces of significant legislation authored by Senator Hinojosa have created more jobs, enhanced student affordability for higher education opportunities, increased access to better healthcare, crafted smart border security solutions, provided tax relief to homeowners and small businesses, improved the safety of students in our public education system, supported our veterans and military communities, and boosted infrastructure and transportation projects to create local economic development.

Senator Hinojosa has received the prestigious honor of being named “Top Ten Best Legislators” for Texas Monthly magazine three times, and named “Top Ten Legislator” by Capitol Inside three times.

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-Chair 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 Legislative Budget Board (LBB), and the Sunset Advisory Committee.