Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott delivered the 2025 State of the State address at the Arnold Oil Company in Austin. The event was attended by members of the Texas House & Senate, as well as members of the business community and the public. During the address, Governor Abbott announced his emergency items for the legislative session. The emergency items include these goals: Property Tax relief, Generational Investment in Water, Teacher Pay, Career Training, School Choice, Bail Reform, and creating Texas Cyber Command. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa attended the State of the State address.
At the conclusion of the event, Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa released the following statement:
“As a member of the Texas Senate, I take my responsibilities seriously. My focus is on addressing the needs of my district and all Texans, and I believe in working together with my colleagues across party lines to find common ground.
I am pleased with Governor Abbott’s emergency items for this session, which allow us to start tackling important issues right away. With these emergency items we can begin addressing them without having to wait until March 14th, the 60th day of the session, to take action.
While I do not support vouchers or any program that takes away funding from public education, I look forward to supporting the other emergency items that will benefit our communities and Texas as a whole.
One of the most pressing issues we face, particularly in Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley, is the need for additional water supplies. Access to clean and reliable water is important for our communities’ health, economic growth, and overall quality of life. Investing in water infrastructure not only ensures that our residents have the resources they need, but it also supports local businesses and attracts new industries to our region.
Our teachers have waited far too long for a much-needed pay raise. Educators are the backbone of our future, shaping the minds of the next generation. We must compensate them fairly for their hard work and dedication, ensuring that our schools can attract and retain the best teachers.
Public safety is also a top priority. We must make certain that dangerous criminals remain behind bars, protecting our families and communities from harm. By implementing effective bail reform, we can create a safer environment while ensuring that justice is served.
Addressing the increased cost of property taxes for homeowners is another important part of our work. Many families are still feeling the strain of rising property taxes, which can make homeownership and keeping a home more challenging. We must find solutions that lessen this burden and provide relief to homeowners, ensuring that they can continue to thrive in their communities.
Finally, career training is key for our workforce. By investing in programs that provide individuals with the skills they need, we can help them secure better jobs and ultimately put more money in their pockets. This not only benefits families but also strengthens our economy.
I look forward to a productive session. Together, we will work toward a brighter future for everyone in our state and keep the Texas economy strong.”