AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Texas Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 10 by Senator Joan Huffman and Joint-Authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa. This bill, if passed by the Texas House and approved by the Governor, would provide a one-time 13^th check of $7,500 to eligible Teacher Retirement System (TRS) retirees who are at least 75 years old. It would also provide a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for members who retired on or after September 1, 2013, and 4% for members who retired before that date.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“The Texas Senate continues to make significant investments in the Teacher Retirement System to ensure that the system is actuarially sound and can guarantee that our retired school employees receive the retirement paycheck they worked hard to earn. Over the past two years we have heard from our retired teachers who are on fixed income and are suffering because inflation has reduced their purchasing power.

“This session, I am honored to joint author SB 10 to support our retired school employees. We are using part of the historic budget surplus to fund a long overdue cost-of-living adjustment. The Senate’s proposed budget, SB 1, allocates $4.7 billion in General Revenue which includes $3.323 billion for the cost-of-living pay increases and $1.394 billion for the $7,500 one-time payment to retirees that are age 75 or older.

“I appreciate the leadership of Senate Finance Chair Joan Huffman for authoring this bill and our Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for making SB 10 a priority bill for the Texas Senate. I look forward to supporting this bill as it moves through the legislative process.

AUSTIN, TX — On Wednesday, the Texas Senate unanimously passed a package of property tax bills that will provide tax relief to homeowners and businesses. Senate Bill 3 by Senator Paul Bettencourt and joint-authored by Senator Hinojosa would increase the Homestead Exemption from $40,000 to $70,000. Senate Bill 4 by Senator Bettencourt and co-authored by Senator Hinojosa would lower the tax rate school districts can levy by about 7 cents. Senate Bill 5 by Senator Tan Parker and joint-authored by Senator Hinojosa would increase the Business Personal Property Tax exemption from $2,500 to $25,000. These three bills would take effect if Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 3 passes this session and the voters approve these provisions in a constitutional amendment in the November 2023 General Election.

State Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who joint-authored or co-authored all of these bills issued the following statement:

“Property tax reform continues to be a top priority for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and all the members of the Texas Senate. The property tax relief bills I joint authored and we passed out of the Senate this week total $16.5 billion. Rising property taxes are something we all feel on an annual basis. For the past three sessions we have focused on reducing property taxes to help our families burdened with paying these taxes that sometimes feels like a second mortgage. With the passage of SB 3/SJR 3, SB 4, and SB 5, we are providing meaningful property tax relief to all Texans.

“SB 3 will increase the Homestead Exemption from $40,000 to $70,000 which will in turn lower the amount of our home’s value subject to school taxes. Homeowners ages 65 and older and the disabled would see their additional exemptions jump from $10,000 to $30,000, resulting in a total Homestead Exemption of $100,000.

“This will be the third time in less than ten years that we have increased the Homestead Exemption. In 2015, the exemption was set at $15,000 and the voters approved the increase to $25,000. In 2022, the voters approved increasing it to $40,000. It is estimated that this increase would save taxpayers an additional $341 on top of the average savings of $454 from the 2021 exemption. SB 4 will provide an additional $5.38 billion in school district tax rate compression and will reduce recapture for a number of school districts.

“I was also proud to joint author SB 5 to increase the Business Personal Property tax exemption from $2,500 to $25,000 to provide tax relief to our businesses. This bill also creates new inventory tax credits to further support our businesses and keep our Texas economy strong.

“I look forward to continue working with the members of the Legislature to get these bills to Governor Abbott’s desk and have Texans vote this November to provide this much needed property tax relief. 

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Governor Greg Abbott announced the appointment of Mr. Alex Meade of Mission to the Texas Transportation Commission. He will serve as one of five Commissioners charged with governing the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and will be responsible for policymaking regarding the state’s highway system, developing a statewide transportation plan, assisting the development of public transportation and adopting rules for TxDOT’s operation.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, as the senator representing Mr. Meade’s hometown, had to concur with Governor Abbott’s recommendation for this appointment. Senator Hinojosa will also introduce Mr. Meade during the Senate Confirmation hearing and help secure the votes from the full Senate for final confirmation in the next few weeks.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa released the following statement:

“The appointment of Alex Meade to serve on the Texas Transportation Commission is an excellent choice by Governor Abbott. Given his past experience as CEO of the Mission Economic Development Corporation, his role as City Manager of the City of Pharr, and as the current Executive Vice President of Texas Regional Bank, Alex has the public and private sector experience needed for this important position. He understands how critical transportation infrastructure is to our cities, our businesses, and for our state’s continued success and economic growth. Alex has first-hand knowledge of the importance of the Texas-Mexico border and the benefits of the trade with Mexico through our international ports of entry. I am confident Alex will work tirelessly to provide transportation solutions that will take care of the needs of all Texans. I look forward to supporting him through the Senate confirmation process.”

The last Transportation Commissioner from the Rio Grande Valley was Ruben R. Cardenas from McAllen. He served from May 1994 until April 1995. The last Transportation Commissioner from the border region was Ted Houghton of El Paso who served from February 2009 until February 2015. 

AUSTIN, TX — Senate Bill 409 has been filed by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, which if passed into law, will further empower victims of sexual assault and ensure their sensitive and fair treatment in the criminal justice system.

An act of sexual violence can devastate and often derail someone’s life. Victims can face immediate and direct negative impact such as injury, physical trauma, or even death. It can also lead indirectly to a variety of effects on physical and mental health and well-being. In fact, victims are more likely to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, even years after the assault took place, than non-assaulted individuals.

While victims are afforded a number of rights under Texas law, sexual assault remains one of the most underreported crimes in the state. Less than 5% of rape victims ever report their assault to law enforcement, and even less see their offender prosecuted and convicted. Reporting sexual assault requires incredible courage, but all too often, brave survivors are blocked from moving forward with their cases when they encounter institutional barriers and lacking engagement from prosecutors. A recent report by the Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault at UT Austin stated that a survivor’s negative experience with a governmental institution had profound effects on their ability to participate in the criminal justice system, access services, and heal from sexual violence.

SB 409 will create minimal rules of engagement for prosecutors’ offices in an effort to facilitate a better experience for the victim within the criminal justice system. The bill clarifies and strengthens the Constitutional rights of crime victims without hindering prosecutor discretion or creating unworkable penalties.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Survivors of sexual assault must be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. If SB 409 is passed, Texas will reaffirm its commitment to support every sexual assault survivor and hold their perpetrators accountable. I look forward to working with State Representative Jeff Leach and getting this bill to Governor Abbott’s desk.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual violence, you are not alone and there are many resources available that can help and offer support for survivors. Call the 24/7 Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) to be routed to a service provider near you.”

If passed and signed by the Governor, this bill will take effect September 1, 2023.

AUSTIN, TX — Today, the Cancer, Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) awarded the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) a Texas Regional Excellence in Cancer (TREC) $6 million grant. TREC is a grant program administered by CPRIT designed to strengthen cancer research at institutions located in regions of Texas that have historically received low levels of cancer research funding. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, along with CPRIT Board Member Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, have been advocating for more cancer funding in South Texas.

In 2021, Senator Hinojosa wrote a letter to Dee Margo, Presiding Officer of CPRIT, stating his interest in bolstering the faculty and facilities at emerging research institutions so that they to can participate in the critical research and development occurring across medical fields, including cancer research. In 2022, Senator Hinojosa wrote a letter of support for UTRGV’s application submitted to CPRIT for this grant.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Congratulations to UTRGV for receiving this $6 million grant award from CPRIT which will further help strengthen cancer research in the Rio Grande Valley. This grant will build on the work and investments we have made locally and with direct state appropriations to increase cancer care and research in the region. I appreciate CPRIT leadership, including Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez, for their support and this award that will allow the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer to grow and help us address cancer related health disparities in South Texas.”

The $6 million grant to UTRGV will support the South Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer research. This Center is focused on reducing cancer health disparities in the border region. The mission of the Center is to address and provide innovative scientific discoveries, reduce cancer-related health disparities in the Rio Grande Valley, improve the quality of patient care and serve as the leader for cancer research in the RGV.

AUSTIN, TX — Earlier this week, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined Senator Lois Kolkhorst as joint-author of Senate Bill (SB) 715 and Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 39, that if passed, would legalize sports betting in Texas.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Texans are all about freedom of choice. The Legislature should provide our voters the right to decide for themselves if they want to engage in legal sports wagering. Last session, I introduced legislation that would provide voters that choice. This session, I am honored to joint author SB 715 and SJR 39 with Senator Lois Kolkhorst to give voters in November the opportunity to determine if they want to legalize sports betting in Texas. If these bills are passed, the state would be able to regulate, license and tax sports betting activity, which would bring us in line with 36 other states. Texans are already placing illegal bets on sports to the tune of billions of dollars per year – in many cases offshore sports books that offer no protections against bad actors and leave Texans with no legal recourse. The current status quo is unacceptable. It is only right that we give Texans a voice on this important issue.”

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Dade Phelan, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives announced House committee assignments for the 88th Legislature.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Congratulations to all the House members of my Senate District 20 Legislative Delegation for their respective appointment as chairs and members of excellent committees. South Texas will be greatly represented by our members in powerful and key committees. I look forward to working with each one of them to push our priorities, pass legislation, and secure funding to improve the quality of life of Texans and keep the Texas economy strong.”

House Members in Senate District 20:

• Todd Hunter, Chair of State Affairs
• Terry Canales, Chair of Transportation
• Abel Herrero, Chair of Corrections
• Ryan Guillen, Chair of Homeland Security
• Oscar Longoria, Chair of Business & Industry
• JM Lozano, Chair of Urban Affairs
• Bobby Guerra, Chair of Resolutions Calendars
• Mando Martinez, Member of Appropriations; Vice Chair of Culture, Recreation & Tourism
• Sergio Munoz, Member of Ways & Means; Defense & Veterans Affairs

AUSTIN, TX — On Monday at 10:00 AM, the Senate Finance Committee will hold its first public hearing of the legislative session. The agenda includes an overview of the Biennial Revenue Estimate by Comptroller Glenn Hegar, an overview of Senate Bill (SB) 1, the appropriations bill, by Jerry McGinty, Director of the Legislative Budget Board, and will begin hearing from the heads of our of general government agencies. The hearing on Monday will be the first of many public hearings and meetings that will take place over the next several months to decide how the record surplus revenue will be spent for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. The Senate Finance Committee will be led by Senator Joan Huffman who was named chair in January of 2022. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, will serve as vice chair.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“I’m looking forward to kicking off the budget writing process with our first hearing set for Monday at 10:00 AM. SB 1, as filed, is just a starting point. These public hearings are an opportunity for the members of the Committee to hear invited testimony from all state agencies and to get the public’s input on how our tax dollars should be allocated.

The starting point, All Funds budget, including federal funds, is $288.7 billion. This includes $130.1 billion in General Fund (state) dollars which is an increase of $11.9 billion from the previous session. This means that we are still $4 billion below the spending limit, which was adopted in November 2022, and $17.1 billion below the Consolidated General Revenue Limit. On top of that, we have an estimated $5.4 billion of the federal American Rescue Plan Act funds remaining to be allocated.

The proposed budget already includes $15 billion for property tax relief, of which $3 billion will be used to increase the homestead exemption from $40,000 to $70,000. It also includes $650 million for community colleges to increase student performance and workforce training, $600 million for school safety initiatives, billions of dollars across agencies to support mental health initiatives, and salary increases for state employees. These are just some examples of the investments already included in the budget.

I remain committed to using this opportunity with historic revenues to provide property tax relief, increasing salaries for teachers, state employees, and peace officers. I also look forward to supporting our retired teachers and investing in our roads, broadband, water and drainage infrastructure, and the electric grid. I encourage the members of the public to attend the hearings to provide input as we move forward with the budget writing process.”

The Senate Finance Committee has scheduled public hearings on SB 1 from Monday, January 30^th until Friday, February 17^th. Additional information and a list of agendas with the agencies scheduled to testify, can be found at, https://capitol.texas.gov/Committees/MeetingsByCmte.aspx?Leg=88&Chamber=S&CmteCode=C540.

The House of Representatives will soon appoint members to the House Appropriations Committee. When organized, House Appropriations will undergo a similar process hearing from all state agencies and also seeking input from the public.

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced Senate committee assignments for the 88^th Legislative Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. He will continue serving on the Senate Border Security Committee, the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, and the Senate Jurisprudence Committee. Earlier this session, Lt. Governor Patrick had also appointed Senator Hinojosa to the Senate Special Committee on Redistricting and named him vice chair of that committee.

This is Senator Hinojosa’s 9^th legislative session to serve on the Senate Finance Committee and 8^th session as vice chair. This is an influential leadership position that will benefit the South Texas region.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am honored that Lt. Governor Patrick has again entrusted me with the important responsibility of serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. I look forward to working with Chair Joan Huffman, the committee members, and House Appropriations to craft a state budget that will make significant investments that will further strengthen our communities and the Texas economy. Given the historic $32.7 billion surplus, we have a great responsibility to address critical issues such as providing property tax relief, increasing salaries for teachers, state employees, and peace officers. We will also provide additional support to our retired teachers, increase funding for community colleges and workforce training, and invest in our roads, broadband, water and drainage infrastructure, and the electric grid.

With my committee assignments this session, I am committed to working with my colleagues to bring forth practical solutions that will further strengthen our economy, ensure increased access to affordable health care for our most vulnerable, support public education funding for our students and teachers, and keep our communities safe. Above all, I will work to make Texas a better place to live and raise our families.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces (part), Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part).

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Texas Senate adopted Senate Resolution No. 21 by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Senator Morgan LaMantia on January 18, 2023 to recognize and commend Corpus Christi Fire Chief Robert Rocha. Chief Rocha will be retiring on January 20th as chief of the Corpus Christi Fire Department after more than four decades of service and 11 years of leadership as chief. Senator Hinojosa presented a copy of the resolution to Chief Rocha at his retirement reception which took place at the Corpus Christi Firefighter Association Hall.

“I’m honored to present this Texas Senate resolution to Chief Robert Rocha for his service, commitment, dedication, and leadership of the Corpus Christi Fire Department,” said Senator Hinojosa.  He added, “I’ve had the honor of working with Chief Rocha since he was named chief. He has worked tirelessly to improve the department, advocate for the needs of firefighters, and take care of the needs of our Coastal Bend communities. He led his department and our city through challenging times including Hurricane Harvey, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Winter Storm Uri. We are grateful for his service and I wish him a happy and healthy retirement.”