CHAMPIONING SMALL BUSINESS JOB CREATORS

Senator Hinojosa recognizes that small businesses are what fuels Texas’ economic engine, as they employ one out of every two Texans. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa has put small businesses at the forefront of Texas’ … Continue reading →

SUPPORTING THE ROLE COMMUNITY COLLEGES PLAY IN OUR ECONOMY

As the demand increases for middle-skilled jobs that require more than a high school diploma, Senator Hinojosa recognizes that community colleges fill a critical role in the effort to prepare Texans with the work skills they need to compete for … Continue reading →

ESTABLISHING AN ENGINEERING PROGRAM AT TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

It is estimated that over 2 million jobs are being created in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. To help meet that need in our region, Senator Hinojosa worked with A&M Corpus Christi and community leaders to secure … Continue reading →

GIVING OUR CHILDREN THE EDUCATION NECESSARY TO COMPETE

Education is the ticket to our children’s future. With more education comes more opportunities to compete for higher paying jobs. But as our school populations are exploding, and college tuition keeps rising, we cannot balance the budget on the backs … Continue reading →

TRANSFORMING THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY THROUGH HIGHER EDUCATION

Senator Hinojosa championed historic legislation with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 24 which created the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), a top-tier university and medical school, and the second largest Hispanic-serving institution in the nation. SB 24 authorized the … Continue reading →

CRACKING DOWN ON WASTE AND MISMANAGEMENT IN GOVERNMENT

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 … Continue reading →

STANDING UP FOR HOMEOWNERS AGAINST UNFAIR WINDSTORM INSURANCE RAISES

Thanks to efforts of Senator Hinojosa and his colleagues, Nueces County families can no longer be slapped with excessive surcharges in the aftermath of a hurricane. In the 2009 Legislative Session, Senator Hinojosa led the negotiations to pass comprehensive Texas … Continue reading →

GIVING LAW ENFORCEMENT THE TOOLS NECESSARY TO SECURE THE BORDER

Senator Hinojosa has led the effort to properly equip the Department of Public Safety to combat drug traffickers and help ease the financial burdens that have been unfairly placed on border communities. Senator Hinojosa understands the importance of giving law … Continue reading →

EXPANDING THE COASTAL ECONOMY

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hinojosa secured increased funding for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, including first time funding for the new civil and industrial engineering program. Similarly, Senator Hinojosa obtained additional funds for Del Mar Community … Continue reading →

Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa Supports Legislation to Combat Dementia in Texas

Posted on March 7, 2025 by hinojosa

On Wednesday, the Texas Senate took a significant step forward in the fight against dementia by passing Senate Bill (SB) 5 and Senate Joint Resolution (SJR) 3, both authored by Senator Joan Huffman. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, who co-authored these bills, expressed his strong support for the potential establishment of the Dementia Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (DPRIT).

Senator Hinojosa stated, “There are few bills that we will pass this session that will have as significant of an impact for future generations as these dementia bills. This program is modeled after the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), and we have seen how that research has transformed cancer treatment for patients. I appreciate Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick for making this issue a priority and Senator Huffman for her leadership and commitment.”

SB 5 would establish DPRIT to focus on accelerating research into dementia and related disorders, enhancing innovation, and ultimately improving the health of Texans. With the alarming rise of dementia diagnoses—especially among Hispanic populations—this initiative is crucial. “Dementia is not just a medical issue; it’s a personal one that affects families and communities. We must prioritize research and resources to ensure that all Texans have access to the best possible care and support,” Senator Hinojosa added.

SJR 3 proposes a constitutional amendment that would transfer $3 billion in state funds to the Dementia Prevention & Research Fund, ensuring funding for the next ten years, with a limit of $300 million in appropriations per fiscal year. This fund will support research into the causes, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of dementia, creating high-quality jobs and attracting top researchers to Texas.

Currently, approximately 400,000 Texans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease, and the costs associated with care are substantial, with Texas Medicaid expenses estimated to be nearly $4 billion in 2024. Additionally, research indicates that Hispanics will continue to experience a steep increase in dementia diagnoses among all racial and ethnic groups, yet they are underrepresented in clinical trials.

Senator Hinojosa emphasized, “DPRIT is designed to make Texas a leader in combating dementia. In the RGV we have the UTRGV Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Minority Aging Research. This center will benefit from DPRIT and the significant investment of $3 billion. These funds will speed up research to help us learn more about this terrible disease, how we can prevent it, and eventually cure it.”

The establishment of DPRIT marks a historic commitment to improving the quality of life for those impacted by dementia and ensuring that Texas remains at the forefront of medical research and innovation. The bills are now in the Texas House for consideration.

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