Our lawmakers have a responsibility to save taxpayers’ money by making government more efficient and to ensure the proper oversight of governmental entities. As a recent member of the Sunset Advisory Commission and the Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has long demanded accountability and fiscal efficiency within state government.
- Passed legislation in the 2019 Session to increase transparency and eliminate conflicts of interest at a local special utility district.
- Senator Hinojosa sponsored a government transparency bill that prevents governments from paying for public events, such as concerts, with public funds and keeping that information private.
- During the 84th and 85th Legislative Sessions, Senator Hinojosa served on the Sunset Commission which is responsible for carrying sunset legislation and thoroughly analyzing the practices and procedures of those government agencies under review. Through this appointment, Senator Hinojosa was able to work to decrease government inefficiencies, increase transparency and ensure that our taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately.
- The changes enacted during the 84th session resulted in more than $34 million in savings and revenue gains over the following two years by eliminating waste, duplication, and inefficiency in state government. During the 85th session, the changes enacted resulted in saving $5.8 million over the following 5 years.
- In 2015, Senator Hinojosa passed the Office of Inspector General (OIG) Sunset bill to provide due process, increase transparency, and target actual fraud while not wasting our resources on innocent providers. The legislation (SB 207) restructured the OIG so that it targets the healthcare providers who are defrauding our taxpayers and not those who commit clerical errors.
- Senator Hinojosa previously served on the Sunset Commission from 2008 through 2011 and carried sunset legislation for high profile agencies such as TxDOT, DPS, and the Texas Water Development Board.