AUSTIN, TX — Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick recently appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa as a member of the Health and Human Services Transition Legislative Oversight Committee. The committee will help guide the reorganization of five existing agencies into one, as a result of legislation passed this last session.

Senator Hinojosa offered the following statement regarding his appointment:

“I thank Lt. Governor Patrick for appointing me to this committee and entrusting me to help lead an important consolidation of our health and human services agencies. This consolidation will increase accountability and transparency as well as streamline operations so that our Texas families have better access to critically needed services.

I look forward to working with the other committee members as well as the Health and Human Services Commission to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible for the agency and the residents they serve.”

Other Senate members appointed to the Committee include Co-Chairman Jane Nelson, Senators Brian Birdwell, and Charles Schwertner.

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.

AUSTIN, TX — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa announces that Desireé Castro has been promoted to Senior Policy Advisor. She has been a policy analyst with Senator Hinojosa’s office for almost three years.

Desireé covers criminal justice, border security, windstorm insurance, and business and commerce issues. She earned an MPA and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Prior to working with Senator Hinojosa, Desireé worked for the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce as their Government Affairs Coordinator.

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.

AUSTIN, TX — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa announces Roxanne DeLaGarza Garcia as his new Legislative Director. Roxanne is currently a Senior Policy Analyst and has been with Senator Hinojosa’s office for five years.

Roxanne previously served as the Committee Director of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee and currently covers education, agriculture, and local government issues. She has an MBA from the University of Texas Pan American and a B.S. in Public Health from Texas A&M University. Roxanne replaces Josh Reyna as Legislative Director who has left the office to pursue a career in the private law sector in his hometown of McAllen, TX.

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.

The Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Commissioner Kirk Cole issued a response to my letter concerning the state refusing to issue birth certificates to persons born here in the United States.

DSHS stated that nothing has changed in recent years on the types of identification required for the issuance of a birth certificate and in fact, in 2010, their internal handbook was revised to specifically state that the official matrícula consular card cannot be accepted. While this policy may not have changed, the implementation of this policy has most certainly changed. For many years, the matrícula has been used as a satisfactory form of identification in many field offices statewide, specifically in the Rio Grande Valley.

As an example, many of the plaintiffs in the federal lawsuit against DSHS, as well as others who have come forward, had easily been able to obtain a birth certificate for their U.S. born child prior to 2014 using a matrícula. It was only in 2014 when parents were suddenly told that it was no longer accepted as a valid form of identification. It is also my understanding in speaking with DSHS, that they have no direct control over their field offices, so that implementation of this policy would seem to me to be hard to assess. While this may have been a policy, it was not enforced consistently.

The response by DSHS also does nothing to present a solution to this problem. If the matrícula will no longer be accepted, what is the alternative? The problem will persist and U.S. born children will continue to be denied their citizenship. These children were born in the United States, are United States citizens, and are entitled to receive their own birth certificates.

While protecting the identity of Texans and securing vital records is of the utmost importance, the state is simultaneously denying the child citizenship rights. It is critical we find a solution such as alternative documents including a baptism certificate, a hospital birth record, or similar documents.

We cannot continue a process that creates a severe disadvantage for these children with respect to medical care, school enrollment and other benefits these children are entitled to on the basis of their U.S. citizenship. We need to protect the child’s rights as a citizen provided under the United States Constitution.

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.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down the Texas Voter ID Law as violating the Voting Rights Act. The Texas Voter ID law passed as Senate Bill 14 from the 82nd Regular Legislative Session in 2011 as a way to prevent voter fraud.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“This ruling confirms what we have been saying all along. The Voter ID law violates the federal 50 year-old Voting Rights Act that prohibits racial discrimination in voting. The right for our Texas citizens to vote must not be burdened with unnecessary hurdles.

Our Constitution aims toward improving our representative democracy. A better representative democracy depends on the inclusion and participation of citizens during elections. Creating barriers and turning away eligible voters undermines our democracy and creates voter suppression against our citizens.”

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.

AUSTIN, TX – Late yesterday, Legislative Budget Board Director Ursula Parks sent a letter to Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar concerning Governor Abbott’s line-item vetoes of riders to the state budget. The letter stated that the Governor’s veto proclamation, listing line items he chose to eliminate from the budget, goes beyond what is authorized in the Texas Constitution, is unprecedented, and is contrary to both practice and expectation.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am expressing my concerns regarding Governor Abbott’s line-item vetoes.

Our Texas Constitution is clear — very specific and limited powers are granted to the Governor with respect to vetoing appropriations. The significant power to veto “items of appropriation” is afforded, but not the authority to amend or veto legislative direction or intent. In addition, in 1911 the Texas Supreme Court has ruled that the Governor’s veto authority is limited only to that found in the Constitution, Article 4, Section 14. This decision remains good law and has been cited in various Attorney General opinions.

Allowing the Governor’s line-item vetoes of riders would significantly expand the power of the Governor by allowing not only legislative appropriations to be vetoed, but also non-appropriation provisions of legislative direction and intent. The issue is not one of spending, but the issue of protecting the Constitution and the separation of powers of our executive, judicial and legislative branches under our Constitution.”

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.

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 arecompensated 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, 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.