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.

Here is Texas Association of Realtors’ Press Release:

Texas Association of Realtors endorses Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
Texas’ most influential association pledges its support

September 12, 2012 – AUSTIN – The Texas Association of Realtors today announced its decision to endorse Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa’s re-election campaign for the Texas Senate to represent District 20. Making the statement last week, Chairman Joe Stewart applauded Hinojosa’s commitment to Texas homeowners.

“The next legislative session will be filled with difficult decisions,” said Stewart. “That’s why we need lawmakers like Hinojosa who understand the critical role homeowners play in keeping our state prosperous, which is why we’ve pledged our full support.”

Texas is leading the nation’s economic recovery, due in large part to its strong real estate market. To maintain that momentum, Texas’ lawmakers must understand homeowners’ concerns and act to bolster homeownership in the state and supporting those efforts is the association’s top priority this election season. Senator Hinojosa has a proven history of supporting initiatives in the best interests of property rights and homeownership throughout the state.

“I am honored to have the endorsement of the Texas Association of Realtors,” Hinojosa said. “As small business owners, Texas Realtors make the dream of homeownership more affordable for all Texans and I will strive to help support this important goal.”

As one of the largest and most influential trade associations in the state, the Texas Association of Realtors expects to be a considerable grassroots force for Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa.

Texas Realtors have championed a number of legislative issues enhancing the lives of Texans, such as urging reforms to the property appraisal system in 2011 and 2009, preventing a tax of $600 or more on the personal vehicles of independent Texans in 2007 and advocating for billions in property tax reductions in 2005. To learn more about Texas Realtors’ legislative advocacy on behalf of its members and homeowners, visit TexasRealEstate.com.

About the Texas Association of REALTORS®
With approximately 80,000 members, the Texas Association of REALTORS® is a professional membership organization that represents all aspects of real estate in Texas. We advocate on behalf of Texas REALTORS® and private-property owners to keep homeownership affordable, protect private-property rights, and promote public policies that benefit homeowners. Visit TexasRealEstate.com to learn more.

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I am humbled to be included on such an impressive list of those who have dedicated their careers and personal lives to the prevention of domestic violence in Texas. I am passionate about this issue and have made many efforts to pass legislation that supports state and private programs that aim to overcome domestic violence.

I am grateful to the Texas Council on Family Violence and its affiliate shelters in South Texas for their support, testimony and partnership with me over the years.

Click here to view the tribute to the men and women who have dedicated 20 years or more to ending family violence and helping Texas families stay safe.

RGIPA cites Hinojosa’s “Dedication and Relentless Support” in Endorsement

(Senate District 20) — On August 26, 2012, the Rio Grande Valley Independent Pharmacy Association (RGIPA) endorsed Senator Hinojosa as their candidate of choice in Senate District 20. RGIPA serves and represents the interests of over 138 local independent pharmacies in South Texas. RGIPA along with American Pharmacies earlier named Senator Hinojosa “Friend of Texas Pharmacy.”

Dr. John P. Calvillo, President of RGIPA issued the following statement:

“Senator Hinojosa’s dedication and relentless support of initiatives that promote the health and well being of our residents motivates us to continue to support his re-election bid. As an agent of progress and change, we rest assured that Senator Hinojosa’s experience will once again prove invaluable to our residents and all Texans.”

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement on RGIPA’s endorsement:

“I am honored and humbled to have the full backing and support of our local pharmacists. This endorsement is particularly important because I believe RGIPA knows that they cannot operate and provide their important healthcare services under the policies that my opponent supports. I will continue to fight for our local independent pharmacies so that their doors remain open.  As small businesses, these local independent pharmacies create jobs. As health care service providers, these local independent pharmacies increase access to essential health care and medical needs to our neighbors. There is too much at stake in this re-election and I am proud to have the endorsement of this important community organization.”