AUSTIN, TX — Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa as a member of the Senate Select Committee on Transportation Planning, created by HB 20. The committee will oversee the state’s approach to infrastructure planning, and the operations and expenditures by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and planning organizations.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following statement regarding his appointment:

“I thank Lt. Governor Patrick for entrusting me with the important task of planning for our state’s future transportation needs and appointing me to this committee.

Transportation is the lifeblood of our economy. For decades, our state highway system was efficient, expeditious, and the envy of other states. Our highways made Texas the economic powerhouse it is today. But with demand for road space now far outpacing supply, the lack of planning and investment in our transportation infrastructure could bring our economy to a halt.

We must work towards expanding our roads and highways, advancing our transportation infrastructure goals, and improving the safety of our families. I look forward to working with the committee to find ways to provide the transportation planning and infrastructure that our state needs and Texans deserve.”

Other members of the Committee include Chairman Robert Nichols, Senators Bob Hall, Joan Huffman, and Charles Perry.

The Senate Select Committee on Transportation Planning is tasked with evaluating numerous matters including: (1) TxDOT projections regarding revenue needed to maintain current maintenance, congestion, and connectivity conditions; (2) TxDOT’s rules/policies regarding project prioritization; (3) TxDOT’s collaboration with state elected officials, local governments, MPOs, RMAs and other entities when adopting rules or policies; (4) Performance metrics used by TxDOT to evaluate the performance of a project or program; (5) Other matters the committee considers appropriate.

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 Finance Committee, 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.

McAllen, TX – After putting South Texas at the forefront of critical state budget negotiations as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa announces his intention to seek re-election to a fourth term in the Texas Senate. Senator Hinojosa intends to continue his work for Senate District 20 in creating jobs, furthering economic development, crafting smart border security solutions, and providing for an educated and healthy workforce.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“South Texas is increasingly playing a larger role in shaping our state’s future. Now more than ever we need experienced leaders who have the courage to put people over politics and govern with compassion. Though the session is over, the critical issues we face in Texas continue and challenges remain. I am not done working.

I am honored to serve the constituents of Senate District 20 and I look forward to continue fighting 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 helped craft a balanced budget addressing many of our state’s needs that will pave the way for a successful Texas economy. As Vice Chair of Senate Finance, he secured millions of dollars in funding for Senate District 20 priorities that will create local economic opportunities, including:

• Infrastructure: Over $700 million in funds secured for the Harbor Bridge replacement 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.

• First Medical School in South Texas: In 2013, Senator Hinojosa championed historic legislation 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.

• South Texas Universities: $61 million for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Medical School, $30.6 million in tuition revenue bonds for construction of an interdisciplinary engineering academic building at the campus in Edinburg, and a total of over $326 million for UTRGV. This places UTRGV as the second-highest among UT System institutions in appropriated funds, an enviable position proving the reality that our region is transforming through the creation of a new university. Also, $60 million in tuition revenue bonds for Texas A&M Corpus Christi for construction of a life sciences research and engineering building, $7 million for the Engineering Program, and $10 million for Texas A&M Healthy South Texas Initiative.

• Tax Relief: Over $4 billion in tax relief to our Texas homeowners and small businesses. $1.2 billion in property tax relief will benefit homeowners by raising the homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000 and decrease the taxes they will have to pay. Small business owners will get a tax break with $2.6 billion in franchise tax relief, including a 25% rate reduction.

• Military Communities: $30 million to help our military communities protect their facilities from closures or reductions. This is critical to Corpus Christi who is home to the Corpus Christi Army Depot, the world’s largest military helicopter repair facility that accounts for over 6,000 jobs in the Coastal Bend.

• Border Security: Senator Hinojosa advocated that we need to make better use of taxpayer dollars by developing a smart border security plan to phase out National Guard troops and replace them with a permanent solution. Through hard work and compromise, we invested $800 million into border security that includes a new Texas Rangers Company along the border, more Game Wardens, more Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission agents, additional funding for our local law enforcement agencies, and additional DPS troopers statewide.

• Mental Health and Healthcare: We significantly increased our commitment to mental health services with behavioral health and substance abuse services funded at $3.6 billion in All Funds, an increase of $150.7 million over the last biennium. Women’s Health Services are a priority and were funded at $262 million, an increase of $50 million. We also increased community services for individuals with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities, including expanding crisis intervention centers across the state.

• Public Education: $130 million grant program to improve the quality of Pre-K which is definitely a step in the right direction. We fully funded public education enrollment growth for 93,000 additional students and created a new $22.8 million Math Academy and a $17.8 million Reading Academy to support K-3 teacher training.

• Higher Education: $1.1 billion in additional funding for higher education and increased formula funding by 3% to enhance student affordability. $74.2 million in additional financial aid funding, including $62.7 million for the TEXAS Grants program to serve 90% of all applicants in 2016. We also invested over $60 million for graduate medical education to increase residency slots to increase the doctors in our state.

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” byCapitol Inside three times.

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 – This weekend, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law SB 1287 authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, legislation that requires the Forensic Science Commission to establish a process for licensing forensic analysts and requires forensic analysts to obtain licensing by January 1, 2019.

Currently there is no requirement under Texas law that forensic analysts be licensed or certified to practice or testify in court, despite the fact that forensic analyses and related testimony are often the most significant evidence and the deciding factor in criminal cases where punishment involves the life and liberty of accused defendants.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I thank Governor Abbott for signing into law this critical legislation that will make Texas a national leader in forensic science by developing a state-focused, narrowly tailored program to ensure forensic analysts are held to the highest standards.

The testimony of forensic analysts in a trial is often the deciding factor in criminal cases, so it is vital that we establish minimum standards for their work. As with so many other critical initiatives, Texas is again poised to lead the nation with this sensible and responsible approach to forensic science reform.The standards developed in Texas will serve as a model for other states.”

Under SB 1287, the administration of the crime laboratory accreditation program is moved from the Department of Public Safety to the Forensic Science Commission. The purpose of the program is to ensure crime laboratories follow certain quality standards and procedures when conducting forensic analyses for criminal cases.

Hinojosa was an original author of the 2005 legislation that created the Texas Forensic Science Commission, which investigates professional negligence or misconduct that affects the integrity of the results of forensic analysis conducted by accredited laboratories.

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, TX – Today, Governor Greg Abbott signed into law HB 2031 authored by State Representative Eddie Lucio, III and sponsored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. HB 2031 allows for the diversion, treatment, and use of marine seawater for desalination, the process of converting seawater into drinking water and other beneficial purposes. This significant legislation would streamline the regulatory process and reduce the time required for and cost of seawater desalination consistent with appropriate environmental and water rights protections.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I thank Governor Abbott for signing into law this critical legislation recognizing that water security is the most pressing social and economic challenge of our time. Water is vital to life and the development of our society and economies. With the neighboring Gulf of Mexico, Texas is uniquely positioned to take advantage of advancements in seawater desalination that could provide for a potential new source of drinking water.

Texas has the strongest economy in the nation and leads in population growth, creating greater demand for water. Seawater desalination, already common in South America and the Middle East, needs to be explored as the state strives to meet the future water needs of our citizens, agriculture, and industry. The future prosperity of Texas depends heavily on the availability of water, and it is imperative that we take significant steps toward the planning and development of desalination.”

HB 2031 creates Chapter 18 of the Water Code relating to Marine Seawater Desalination Projects and allows entities to obtain permits to divert and use seawater and to discharge seawater in accordance with rules established by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and the General Land Office (GLO) are also required to jointly conduct a study to identify zones in the Gulf of Mexico that would be appropriate for the diversion or the discharge of seawater, taking into account the protection of marine organisms.

Additionally, HB 2031 requires TCEQ to adopt rules to allow seawater treated by a desalination facility to be used as public drinking water as long as it meets Health and Safety Code standards. This legislation is the result of much stakeholder input to create a workable permitting process to make use of the vast quantities of marine seawater from the Gulf of Mexico while also protecting our state’s bays and estuaries.

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 Legislature adjourned Sine Die for the 84th 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:

“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 over 60 individual pieces of legislation and secured millions of dollars for priorities in South Texas and the Coastal Bend regions.”

“Among the many bills I passed were key bills that reform our forensic science practices to protect the integrity of the criminal justice system and preserve individuals’ liberties; legislation to enhance job creation; bills that protect the health and safety of our children; and legislation to protect and preserve our military communities.”

“I am also pleased to pass the Office of Inspector General Sunset bill to provide due process, increase transparency, and get at actual fraud while not wasting our resources on innocent providers.”

“In the final budget, I was able to secure over $60 million for our new medical school at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UT-RGV). I was also able to secure $7 million for the Engineering Program and $60 million of TRBs for the Life Sciences Research and Engineering building at Texas A&M- Corpus Christi (TAMUCC).”

“The final budget adopted increases access and funding to services needed by our most vulnerable populations — the young, elderly, sick, and poor. We invested in infrastructure, border security, and our students. The budget will pave the way for an educated and healthy workforce and a successful Texas economy.”

Any specific inquiries regarding legislation or funding accomplishments can be directed to Senator Hinojosa’s Capitol Office at 512-463-0120.

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.

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Oct. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — The Amerigroup Foundation presented Sen. Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa of McAllen, Texas, with its “Champion for Children” award and contributed $2,500 to the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of the Coastal Bend in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Throughout his career of public service in both Texas legislative bodies, Sen. Hinojosa has consistently advocated for programs crucial to children and improving access to health care for low-income families. In his current role as Vice-Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he has continued to make these initiatives a priority in the face of deep budget cuts. While serving in the House, he worked to create a physician loan repayment program, bringing nearly 225 primary care physicians to underserved areas in the state and played a vital role in the effort to establish the Regional Academic Health Center, which promotes physician training on the Texas/Mexico border.

“The Foundation admires Sen. Hinojosa’s tireless efforts and those of CASA of the Coastal Bend — both work to improve the lives of children in need. I am pleased to present this award to such a deserving individual and positive role model throughout the state of Texas,” said LeAnn Behrens, Amerigroup Texas chief executive officer.

In 2011, the senator was honored for his lifelong commitment to helping those in need, receiving the “Big Voices for Little Texans Award” from CASA and the “National Award/State Alliance Champion Award” from the Boys & Girls Club.

“There’s no constituency more important than our youngest, and there’s no ‘special interest’ greater than our children,” said Sen. Hinojosa. “I’m proud to work together toward advancing opportunities for the next generation, and I am honored to accept this ‘Champion for Children’ award on their behalf, benefiting such an important organization such as CASA.”

The award is a part of a national program by the Amerigroup Foundation to recognize outstanding public advocacy efforts by government and community leaders to improve the health and well-being of children across the country.

About the Amerigroup Foundation

The Amerigroup Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Amerigroup Corporation (NYSE: AGP),
a multistate managed health care company based in Virginia Beach, Va. The Foundation works to create healthy communities by fostering access to health care, encouraging safe and healthy children and families, and promoting community improvement and healthy neighborhoods.

About CASA

The National CASA Association is a network of 946 programs that are recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the courtroom and other settings.

CONTACTS:

Foundation: Tina Gill
Amerigroup Corporation
Executive Director, Foundation
(757) 955-8875
tina.gill@amerigroup.com

News Media: Maureen C. McDonnell
Amerigroup Corporation
Vice President, External Communications
(757) 473-2731
maureen.mcdonnell@amerigroup.com

SOURCE Amerigroup Foundation

Read the original story here.