Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa is pleased to announce that the Texas Utility Help program is accepting applications for energy assistance. In addition, the program is now offering assistance for past-due and future water and wastewater bills through September 30, 2023.

Administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), Texas Utility Help is funded by the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and federal Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP). The program aims to provide financial support to eligible households by making direct payments to utility companies on their behalf. Texas Utility Help is available to qualified homeowners and renters with low income.

Under the Energy Program and the Water Program, eligible households may receive assistance for electricity, gas, propane, water and wastewater bills. This assistance can cover both past-due amounts owed and up to $2,400 for prospective payments through September 30, 2023, depending on household income.

Senator Hinojosa emphasizes the importance of this program in helping residents in need. He states, “Texas Utility Help program is a lifeline for many families struggling to make ends meet. By providing financial assistance for energy and water bills, we can alleviate the burden on low-income households and ensure they have access to essential utilities. This program is a testament to our commitment to supporting our communities, our families, and improving the quality of life for all Texans.”

Senator Hinojosa’s office is ready to assist anyone who needs help filling out the application. Residents can call his office or visit the district offices for guidance and support.

For more information and to apply for Texas Utility Help, please visit https://texasutilityhelp.com, call 1-855-566-2057, or contact Senator Hinojosa’s office at:

Edinburg District Office

1508 S. Lone Star Way, Suite 6

Edinburg, TX 78539

(956)318-0725

Corpus Christi District Office

602 N. Staples Street, Suite 200

Corpus Christi, TX 78401

(361)882-0900

Capitol Office

1400 Congress, Office 3E.6

Austin, TX 78701

(512)463-0120

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined Jim Wells County Judge Pete Treviño at the St. John of the Cross Catholic Church in Orange Grove today to celebrate the official opening of the St. John of the Cross Works of Mercy Food Pantry. This vital project, spearheaded by the church, aims to provide food and other essential items to individuals and families in need in the surrounding areas.

Located conveniently across the street from the church, the St. John of the Cross Works of Mercy Food Pantry will serve as a lifeline for those facing food insecurity. Any person or family in need will have access to the pantry, ensuring that no one in the community goes hungry.

The success of this project would not have been possible without the unwavering support of Father Patrick Donohoe, who has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition. Additionally, community coordinator Bertha Forbes, has shown exceptional leadership in coordinating efforts to establish the food pantry.

Senator Hinojosa has been a strong advocate for addressing food insecurity in the community. Last year, he provided a $5,000 donation to St. John of the Cross, which was to be used to purchase a refrigerator/freezer or for other needs. Bertha Forbes expressed her gratitude to Senator Hinojosa, stating, “We are immensely grateful to Senator Hinojosa for his generous donation. His support has allowed us to purchase essential appliances and shelves, enabling us to open the food pantry sooner than anticipated. We are truly thankful for his commitment to helping our community.”

Senator Hinojosa emphasized the importance of coming together during these challenging times, stating, “As many of our neighbors, family members, and friends are facing unprecedented challenges and financial situations, hunger should not be one of their worries. By working together, we can ensure that there is enough food for our families in need.” He added, “The St. John of the Cross Works of Mercy Food Pantry will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of those struggling with food insecurity in Orange Grove and the surrounding areas. This initiative serves as a testament to the power of community collaboration and compassion.”

Today, the Texas Senate reconvened for the first day of the 2nd Called Special Session. The Senate fast-tracked the passage of Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 1 and Senate Bill (SB) 1 both by Senator Paul Bettencourt. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee co-authored both bills. These bills provide a record $18 billion property tax plan to cut homeowners and business owners taxes. SJR 1 would put to the voters the option to increase the Homestead Exemption to $100,000 from the current $40,000. SJR 1, along with SB 1, would provide Texas homestead owners an average savings of $1,270-$1,350 the first year and up to $1,500 the second year for over-65 disabled homeowners. SJR 1 was amended on the Senate floor to authorize voters to approve $2.2 billion in state funds to be used to provide a supplemental payment of $2,000 to each full-time urban classroom teacher and $6,000 to each full-time rural classroom teacher for the next two years. 

SB 1 also lowers the school district rollback rate 30% from 2.5% to 1.75%, lowering the property tax bill for property owners by billions of dollars a year while holding school districts harmless. SB 1 also helps Texas businesses by doubling the franchise tax exemption, exempting 67,000 Texas businesses. Finally, SB 1 removes the requirement to file a No-Tax Due franchise tax return, saving time and money for the 1.7 million businesses currently filing this form.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement on the passage of these bills:

“The number one complaint I keep hearing from my constituents is the high cost of property taxes. Property tax relief is important to my constituents and all Texans. High property taxes place a significant burden on homeowners and businesses, making it increasingly difficult for families to afford their homes and stifling economic growth. By providing property tax relief, we can alleviate this financial strain, promote affordability, and create a more prosperous future for all Texans. 

By amending SJR 1 on the Senate floor today, we also give voters a chance to authorize $2.2 billion in state funds for a much needed and well-deserved supplemental payment to teachers. As an advocate for quality education and recognizing the invaluable role that teachers play in shaping our future generations, I firmly believe that this amendment is a crucial step towards recognizing and valuing the hard work and dedication of our educators. 

I am hopeful that this Special Session we can provide much-needed tax relief and a supplemental payment to teachers. By working together, we can prioritize the financial well-being of our constituents and ensure that our homeowners get the tax relief they need, and our educators receive the recognition and support they deserve. It is crucial that we find common ground and enact meaningful measures that will benefit all Texans.”

Both bills must pass in a special session before August 9th to allow enough time for the November election. If approved by the voters, the $100,000 exemption would be for the 2023 tax year making property tax relief effective immediately. The payments to teachers would be for the 2023-2024 and the 2024-2025 school years. 

Today, Governor Greg Abbott called on the Texas Transportation Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation to allocate $150 million in the Unified Transportation Program (UTP) to support construction of the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC) in the Rio Grande Valley.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I applaud Governor Abbott for his commitment to investing in our border infrastructure and for calling on the Texas Transportation Commission and TxDOT to allocate $150 million in the Unified Transportation Program to support the construction of the International Bridge Trade Corridor project in the Rio Grande Valley. This project will not only improve transportation and trade between the United States and Mexico, but it will also create jobs and boost economic growth in the region. I also want to thank all our RGV officials, including Pharr Mayor Ambrosio Hernandez, for his tireless advocacy for this project and for working closely with our legislative delegation to make it a reality. Governor Abbott, in collaboration and with the support of Chairman Terry Canales and the Valley legislative delegation, has kept his promise to prioritize the infrastructure needs of our border communities. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the Rio Grande Valley and the Texas economy.”

Governor Abbott Calls For $150 Million To Boost Rio Grande Valley Roadway Project

For Immediate Release:

June 26, 2023

AUSTIN, TX – Governor Greg Abbott today called on the Texas Transportation Commission and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to allocate $150 million in the Unified Transportation Program to support construction of the International Bridge Trade Corridor (IBTC) project in the Rio Grande Valley. The IBTC is a proposed non-tolled, four-lane divided roadway that would provide direct interstate access for several international ports of entry and expedite the movement of goods and freight through the border region.

“Strengthening our ports and roadway infrastructure to support international trade will help Texas remain the No. 1 exporting state and a global economic powerhouse,” said Governor Abbott. “Today, I called on the Texas Transportation Commission and the Texas Department of Transportation to allocate $150 million to support the construction of the IBTC project in the Rio Grande Valley. This project will bolster international trade and accelerate throughput at border checkpoints to better move freight and improve security. Texas is the top exporting state and with this investment, we will boost our state’s economy in the Rio Grande Valley and across our state.”

“Enhancing safety, improving mobility, and easing congestion on other state and city roads are also direct benefits of the IBTC project,” said Texas Transportation Chairman Bruce Bugg. “For local communities, IBTC would mean less truck traffic on local Farm to Market roadways through school zones and business districts.”

“The IBTC project has been under planning and development for a number of years, and the funding requested by Governor Abbott would provide the foundation for ensuring construction of this critical project for the region,” said Texas Transportation Commissioner Alex Meade. “Construction for the IBTC project, in collaboration with the Hidalgo County Regional Mobility Authority, is slated to begin in 2026 and is anticipated to take three years to complete.”

The Governor’s requested allotment would provide the majority of the funding needed to advance the IBTC project, and the remaining funds needed for construction would be authorized with state formula highway funding available to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. The funding will also allow TxDOT to place the project on the state highway system and fund additional project development costs related to highway design, right-of-way acquisition, and utility relocation.

The proposed project would be constructed in two phases:

• Phase I: the construction of four 12-foot frontage roads (two in each direction), with 10-foot outside shoulders and 4-to-10-foot inside shoulders from south Pharr to FM 493 and mainlanes from the future Valley View Interchange to I-2.
• Phase II: the construction of four 12-foot mainlanes (two in each direction), with 10-foot inside and outside shoulders divided by a concrete traffic barrier. The ultimate design would also provide for overpasses and ramps at major intersections.

The IBTC would begin in south Pharr and extend north to I-2 in Donna. The total length of the proposed project is 13.15 miles and would traverse the cities of Pharr, San Juan, Alamo, and Donna.

AUSTIN, TX — The Senate of the State of Texas is proud to recognize Javier Norberto Garcia on his 75th birthday and to honor him for his outstanding service to his community, county, and country. Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa presented a Texas Senate Resolution to Mr. Garcia in recognition of his many achievements and contributions to the well-being and prosperity of the communities in Jim Wells County. 

Mr. Garcia was born on April 12, 1948, in Alice. After graduating from the Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco Consolidated Independent School District in 1967, he enlisted in the National Guard and served his country with honor and distinction for 22 years. In addition to his service in the National Guard, he became an educator with the Alice Independent School District, where he taught for 20 years. He was also elected to the board of the Ben Bolt-Palito Blanco Consolidated Independent School District and served for 10 years.

Throughout his life, Mr. Garcia has embodied the traits of selflessness and devotion to service, dedicating himself to helping others and to serving as a voice for those around him. He served on the Jim Wells County Appraisal District Board of Directors for 32 years and served as Jim Wells County commissioner for Precinct 4 for 24 years. During his time as county commissioner, he collaborated with nonprofit organizations, including Community Action Corporation of South Texas, to establish parks in Ben Bolt and in Palito Blanco. He also provided services and meals for the elderly in Jim Wells County.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa said, “It is an honor to present this Texas Senate Resolution to Javier Garcia on his 75th birthday. Mr. Garcia has dedicated his life to serving his community, this county, our country, and his contributions have made a significant impact on the well-being and prosperity for the residents of Jim Wells County and the State of Texas. He is a true example of selflessness and devotion to service, and I am proud to recognize him for his outstanding achievements.”

Senator Hinojosa also joined Jim Wells County Judge Pete Treviño and current Precinct 4 County Commissioner Wicho Gonzalez at the dedication ceremony of the park in Ben Bolt that was renamed after Mr. Garcia in his honor. Commissioner Gonzalez played a key role in the renaming of the park. Senator Hinojosa congratulated Mr. Garcia for this well-deserved honor.

“I was proud to be part of the ceremony to rename the park in Ben Bolt after Mr. Garcia. His lifelong dedication to public service is truly deserving of this honor, and it ensures that his legacy will continue to live on in the community he served,” said Senator Hinojosa

The Texas Senate Resolution commends Javier Norberto Garcia on his many achievements and contributions to the well-being and prosperity of his community and the Lone Star State and extends to him best wishes for much joy and fulfillment in the years ahead.

AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA) presented Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa (D-McAllen) with the Legislator of the Year Award for his service on the Senate Criminal Justice Committee and for his passage of legislation supported by TCDLA.   

The Legislator of the Year Award recognizes a member of the Legislature who has championed the advancement of a fair criminal justice system and has made significant contributions to legislation focused on protecting the constitutional rights of defendants. Nominations are made by the TCDLA Legislative Committee to the TCDLA Executive Committee, which makes the final determination of the award recipient.

Of significance during the 88^th Legislative Session were two billes passed by Senator Hinojosa relating to criminal justice reform: Senate Bill 338 and Senate Bill 991. The first, SB 338, bars the admissibility of witness testimony derived from forensic hypnosis, a practice that has long been considered outdated and unreliable. The second, SB 991, creates a centralized Crime Laboratory Portal at the Department of Public Safety which will allow for key forensic laboratory records to be made accessible seamlessly to prosecutors and defense attorneys.

Throughout his legislative service, Senator Hinojosa has been instrumental in the state’s efforts to reform our criminal justice system. During his time serving in the State House and in the wake of the Tulia drug bust scandal, he worked to improve public safety and rule of law by prohibiting Texans from being convicted of drug charges based solely on the testimony of undercover officers. This change in policy brought greater oversight and transparency of drug task force operations. Also of great importance was the Senator’s work on HB 1068 in 2005, which created the Forensic Science Commission (FSC) and charged it with investigating allegations of negligence or misconduct that would substantially affect the integrity of the results of a forensic analysis conducted by crime laboratories. The FSC now serves as a model agency across the nation for ensuring that forensic laboratories meet the highest standards of quality and integrity.

“Senator Hinojosa has given long and distinguished service to his country and to the State of Texas, especially in the area of human rights and equal treatment for all Texans,” said TCDLA President Heather Hagerty Barbieri. “Senator Hinojosa has compassion and understanding for all Texas citizens and his focus on equal justice for all citizens makes him the 2023 TCDLA Legislator of the Year.” 

Senator Hinojosa expressed his appreciation for the award and remarked on the importance of a fair and just criminal justice system:

“I am honored that the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association has recognized me with this distinguished award. As an attorney, I understand the critical role one plays in the legal system by ensuring that those accused of a crime receive due process of law and enjoy every possible benefit from our profession that justice allows.

Once signed, I look forward to seeing the improvements that SB 338 and SB 991 will add to our criminal justice system. As a state, we have made great progress in ensuring due process for all Texans, but there is still work to be done. I remain committed to working towards a system that is effective, efficient, and equal.”

AUSTIN, TX — Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa is pleased to announce that the City of Corpus Christi has been awarded two Defense Economic Adjustment Grant (DEAAG) program awards. The first award is for $175,000 to the Corpus Christi Army Depot for the acquisition of solar powered electric charging stations. The second award is for $1,000,000 to the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi for perimeter fencing and gate replacement.

“The DEAAG program is a vital resource for our military communities. These grants fund projects to improve infrastructure at our installations, increase their military value, and help further their mission,” said Senator Hinojosa. He added, “The Texas Legislature continues to fund this program in the state budget for our military installations which are not only key to our safety and national defense but also generate billions for the Texas economy and support thousands of jobs.”

The City of Corpus Christi applied for these grants last month and included a letter of support from Senator Hinojosa for both projects. The project at the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi will be used to leverage an additional $1,000,000 from the Navy Region Southeast to replace the deteriorated perimeter fencing and gates to help prevent unauthorized entry into protected areas.

The grant to the Corpus Christi Army Depot will leverage a match of an additional $175,000 from the Army Working Capital Fund to purchase two portable solar-powered electric vehicle charging stations. These charging stations will maximize their capacity to operate its fleet of 280 electric service carts and other future electric vehicles purchased for use at the facility.

Senator Hinojosa would like to thank Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Military Preparedness Commission for their support of this program. He would also like to thank Corpus Christi Mayor Paulette Guajardo, the City Council, the Corpus Christi Army Depot, and the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi staff for all working together to apply for these grants.

“These grants will help support the important work being done at the Corpus Christi Army Depot and the Naval Air Station Corpus Christi,” said Senator Hinojosa. “I am proud to have worked with my colleagues in the Texas Legislature to secure funding for this program and I look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants will have on our community. I am committed to continue working to protect the mission of our Texas military installations.” 

This week, the Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) approved three resolutions requesting financial assistance from the Economically Distressed Areas Program (EDAP) for the City of Mission and the North Alamo Water Supply Corporation (Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties). EDAP provides cities, counties, water districts, nonprofit water supply corporations with financial assistance in the form of grants and loans for projects serving economically distressed residential areas where water or sewer services do not exist, or existing systems do not meet minimum state standards. An economically distressed area is a political subdivision in which the median household income is no greater than 75 percent of the state’s median income.

The City of Mission applied for $8,510,000 in financial assistance consisting of $4,255,000 in financing and $4,255,000 in grant funding from EDAP for planning, acquisition, and construction of a wastewater system to bring first-time sewer service to 14 subdivisions northwest of the City. These subdivisions are in an unincorporated area of Mission which currently utilizes septic tanks and pit privies to manage its wastewater. Some of these systems do not meet the standard requirements for on-site systems. In addition to the grant funding, the City could also save approximately $309,597 over the life of the financing.

The North Alamo Water Supply Corporation submitted two separate applications. The non-profit Corporation was approved for $4,400,000 in financial assistance consisting of $1,320,000 in financing and $3,080,000 in grant funding to provide first-time wastewater service to 2 unincorporated subdivisions north of the City of Weslaco. The second application approved would provide the Corporation with $9,800,000 in financial assistance consisting of $2,940,000 in financing and $6,860,000 in grant funding to provide first-time sewer service to 9 unincorporated subdivisions north of the City of Donna.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“EDAP has been an important program for our communities in the Rio Grande Valley. Funding authorized by the Legislature for this program allows communities to provide water services to rural areas where access to safe water does not exist or is not provided. I want to thank our local officials for their continued efforts in working with the Texas Water Development Board to obtain funding for their respective projects.” 

AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Texas Senate passed Senate Bill 9 by Senator Brandon Creighton and joint-authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa which outlines a bill of rights for teachers and provides additional compensation. This bill will now head over to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“I am a joint author of Senate Bill 9 because supporting our teachers continues to be a priority for me this session. With this legislation, we are standing up for teachers and providing them with additional compensation and benefits for their dedication to the education of our children. This payment will be in addition to the pay increase we authorized in 2019 with the passage of HB 3. The $1.625 billion that the Senate has committed to invest in this bill will provide a $2,000 to $6,000 payment for our teachers who stay in the classroom during the next school year. While I know that they deserve and need much more, my vote today is not to show my satisfaction with the proposed compensation, but rather a commitment to continue advocating for more funding and to show my support for the additional benefits this bill provides. On the Senate floor, I voted for Senator Morgan LaMantia’s floor amendment to increase the compensation to $10,000 but it did not have enough votes to get adopted. I will continue working with my legislative colleagues to fight for additional compensation and to get this bill to the Governor’s desk.”

Highlights of Senate Bill 9 as passed by the Texas Senate:

• Childcare for Teachers – Free Pre-K for children of classroom teachers.
• Across the Board Teacher Payment – $2,000 payment to all teachers and an additional $4,000 for teachers in small and rural districts.
• Performance Based Bonuses – Increased funding for the Teacher Incentive Allotment that provides bonuses up to $36,000 for high-performing educators.
• Re-Hiring Retired Teachers – Creates a grant program to reimburse school districts that employ retired teachers for the cost of their contribution amount to TRS.
• TEA Assistance to School Districts – TEA will assist school districts with implementing certain teacher programs including programs that encourage high school students or other members of the community in the area served by the district to become teachers, including available teacher apprenticeship programs.
• Study of Teacher Time – TEA will provide support to school districts to study how the district’s or school’s staff and student schedules, required noninstructional duties for classroom teachers, and professional development requirements for educators are affecting the amount of time classroom teachers work each week.
• Transparency In Schedules – Provides clarity and guardrails for any duties outside the classroom.