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 Hinojosa Attends Groundbreaking Event for $81 Million Arts & Media Building at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

Posted on May 16, 2024 by hinojosa

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa attended the groundbreaking event for the new 85,000-square-foot Arts & Media Building at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi earlier today. This state-of-the-art facility will house undergraduate and graduate programs within the School of Arts, Media, & Communication, including music, theatre, and dance.

The new two-story building will provide modern amenities such as a proscenium theatre performance space, recital hall, black box theatre, and dance studio. It will include rehearsal halls and theatre labs for instruction in costume construction and makeup, as well as faculty and administrative staff offices and support areas. The building will also have a designated place for Dr. Hector P. Garcia’s files and memorabilia.

Phase 1 of the project is estimated to cost $81 million, with $45 million provided by the Texas Legislature as part of a list of capital projects at higher education institutions included in Senate Bill 52 passed during the 87th Legislature in 2021. Substantial completion of this project is expected by March of 2026.

Senator Hinojosa provided the following statement:

“I appreciate Dr. Kelly Miller, President of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, for her leadership in making this project a reality. This has been one of her priorities since she became president of the university in 2017. She not only wanted a beautiful building for the arts, but also a space that would pay tribute to Dr. Hector P. Garcia’s legacy.

Investing in our educational institutions is investing in our future. Funding this state-of-the-art facility benefits our students and the community. It enhances the learning experience, attracts top talent, and contributes to the cultural and economic growth of our region.

During the 2021 legislative session, with the collaboration and support of Chairman Todd Hunter and Chairman Abel Herrero, we were able to secure $45 million for Phase 1 of this project estimated to cost $81 million. I appreciate Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Governor Greg Abbott, Senate Higher Education Committee Chairman Brandon Creighton, and Texas A&M University System Chancellor John Sharp for their support of this project and its inclusion in the legislation authorizing the funding.”

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