Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa wants to remind Texans that the Texas Sales Tax Holiday on Emergency Preparation Supplies is coming up this weekend. Beginning Saturday, April 27 through midnight on Monday, April 29, Texans can purchase emergency supplies and hurricane-proofing materials without paying a sales tax.

In 2015, Senator Hinojosa authored and passed Senate Bill 904 to create this tax free weekend for all Texans to be better prepared for weather events or disasters, including hail storms, hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and more.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“The best time to prepare for disasters is before they strike. From hurricanes and snow storms to record-breaking heat, we know the devastating effects that natural disasters can have on our daily lives. I was proud to pass legislation in 2015 that saves Texas families money as they purchase the supplies necessary to be ready for any disaster they might face.

I urge everyone to take advantage of the tax holiday this weekend and spread awareness about the importance of mitigation and emergency preparedness.”

Some of the items exempt from sales tax this weekend are:

·     Portable generators

·     Hurricane shutters

·     Batteries

·     Carbon monoxide detectors

·     Coolers and ice chests

·     Tarps

·     Radios

·     Smoke detectors

·     Fire extinguishers

·     First aid kits

·     Fuel containers

·     Candles, flashlights, and lanterns

There is no limit on the number of qualifying items you can purchase. A full list of emergency preparation supplies can be found on the Comptroller’s website:

https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-1017.php

There is nothing more important to our communities, our families, and the future of our children than a strong public school system. Our dedicated La Joya ISD teachers and staff work tirelessly and do an excellent job preparing our students for success.

Recently, a crucial policy change took place within La Joya ISD, one that signals a significant step towards preventing corruption and minimizing conflicts of interest. The Board of Managers made a bold move to prohibit La Joya ISD administrators from holding an elected position. This policy is tailored to positions that oversee employees or manage the financial affairs of the district. This policy shift, led by Superintendent Dr. Marcey Sorenson and Board of Managers President Julian Alvarez, is a praiseworthy initiative that deserves our support.

This action is key in dismantling the persistent culture of corruption that has tainted the integrity of our institutions. The recent string of federal indictments involving public officials from La Joya ISD, Agua Special Utility District (“Agua SUD”), and the City of Penitas emphasizes the urgency of addressing this issue at its core.

As the largest employer in western Hidalgo County, some La Joya ISD board members took advantage of this influence to enrich themselves and their allies with promotions, stipends, and government positions and contracts. In 2017, I passed a law that attempted to address the trading of hires between board members of La Joya ISD and Agua SUD. At the time, the president and vice president of the La Joya ISD board were employed by Agua SUD, while four Agua SUD board of directors were employed by La Joya ISD as administrators of different departments. This trading of hires of elected officials by these overlapping taxing entities created a huge conflict of interest.

SB 814 (85R) prohibited Agua SUD from hiring elected officials or family members of another taxing entity within the district, such as La Joya ISD. To protect their cushy and dubious jobs, the Agua SUD spent public money to pay for consultants to kill SB 814. When it became clear they would fail, both boards took actions to loot additional taxpayer money. On May 1, 2017, the Agua SUD board rushed to approve new five-year employment contracts with the two La Joya ISD trustees with a severance clause that guaranteed a huge payout to both trustees shortly after SB 814 became law in June 2017. Eight days after Agua SUD approved the new contracts, the Agua SUD board members employed by La Joya ISD all conveniently received promotions, new positions, as well as dramatic increases in their stipends and salaries that were significantly higher than the average teacher in the district. In July 2017, the Agua SUD board voted for severance packages totaling $489,000 between the two trustees, despite being employed for less than two years. These events led to the Texas Rangers conducting a criminal investigation of Agua SUD in 2018.

The unethical and illegal actions of these public officials continued from there. In 2021, a federal investigation of La Joya ISD, Agua SUD, and other neighboring cities revealed a massive bribery and kickback scheme that involved more than a dozen public officials in western Hidalgo County. In 2022, the U.S. Attorneys’ Office charged the same two trustees that received the severance packages from Agua SUD and three of its central office administrators with various federal financial crimes for actions taken from 2017–2020. Court documents revealed the intricate kickback scheme and bribe payments made to local elected officials and administrators in western Hidalgo County. As of April 2024, almost a dozen local public officials and subcontractors have pled guilty to federal charges that included bribery, money laundering, extortion, and wire fraud, while others yet to be charged have been implicated in the conspiracy to defraud the taxpayers.

Records show that one trustee illegally used his influence over elected officials employed by La Joya ISD to ensure that this one company was awarded the energy savings performance contract projects. This company would then hire subcontractors recommended by the administrators. The subcontractors would then overcharge La Joya ISD, which the trustee and two administrators would receive kickbacks from the overcharges. The same trustee also supported promotions and stipends to the elected officials employed by La Joya ISD for their official votes or support of the same company to be awarded energy savings performance contract projects at other neighboring governmental entities. As a result, taxpayers from La Joya ISD, Agua SUD, and the City of Mission were on the hook for at least a total of $70 million. Funds from the overcharges and inflated costs were used to payout at least $1.5 million to local officials involved in the massive bribery and kickback scheme.

Based on these charges and the guilty pleas, as well as other complaints the Texas Education Agency (“TEA”) received about the board’s alleged fraud and violations of law, the Commissioner of Education authorized a special investigation of La Joya ISD on March 21, 2022. The TEA Final Report on the Investigation of La Joya ISD made the same or similar findings that federal investigators uncovered. TEA determined that the state could not afford to wait for another round of indictments to address the corruption and conflicts of interest at La Joya ISD. TEA replaced the local school board with a board of managers. As the saying goes, to enact real change, one must “strike at the root.” It is key to eliminate corruption from its source to advance a culture of accountability and ethical governance.

For far too long, individuals in positions of power have exploited their authority for personal gain, disregarding the well-being of our children and the hard-earned money of taxpayers. The transformation we seek must begin at the top, permeating throughout the district to ensure that integrity and public interest remain paramount. This district policy will ensure that every decision made by employees in influential positions is solely based on delivering the best education for our students.

Elected public officials are entrusted with a duty to serve the public and safeguard taxpayer funds, not to serve their own self-interests and line their pockets at the expense of the community. I applaud the leadership of Superintendent Sorenson and the Board of Managers in providing proper oversight and correcting the mismanagement and unethical practices that have plagued the district for many years. In this instance, La Joya ISD has a legitimate interest in regulating the political activities of its employees. La Joya ISD employees with the power to hire, fire, or manage tax dollars should not be employed to build a powerful, invincible, and corrupt political machine. This new policy strikes a balance between the district’s interest in promoting efficiency of its administrators to prioritize the student’s needs and the administrators’ interests. I strongly believe the limits on holding elected office by the district’s administrators substantially serve the district’s interests that are “important” enough to outweigh the administrators’ rights and political ambitions.

Looking ahead, it is important that we continue this momentum. During the next legislative session, I will work to enact any necessary changes that will safeguard the future of our children, uphold the values of ethical behavior, accountability, transparency, and ensure the culture of corruption comes to an end.

It’s no surprise that Texas, with its booming economy and vast opportunities, has one of the fastest-growing populations in the nation. As more people move to the Lone Star State, we are faced with intensifying challenges regarding accessibility to physicians, which have consistently been in short supply.

While the shortage of physicians isn’t new or unique to Texas, projections show that our physician distribution lags compared to other states. By 2032, Texas could be short over 10,000 physicians if current trends remain. Other major drivers of the shortage include an aging population that requires increasingly complex care, medical school debt, burnout following the pandemic, and a significant portion of the current physician workforce reaching retirement age.

As lawmakers, we are constantly evaluating how we can increase the supply of high-quality physicians to help achieve our ultimate goal of providing accessible healthcare to all Texans. With 16 medical schools across the state, 7 of which have opened since 2016, the Legislature has continued its commitment to bolstering the physician workforce for generations to come.

However, providing more opportunities for medical school is just one part of the equation. With more students graduating from medical school, it is critical that the state provides adequate opportunities for training through residency programs. Without enough residency slots, students are leaving the state for other graduate medical education programs, some of whom will never return. In response to this trend, the Legislature set a target ratio of 1.1 to 1 for the number of first-year residency positions compared to graduating medical students. Meeting this target would allow all Texas medical school graduates to pursue their residency training within the state, a factor known to boost the likelihood of physicians staying in Texas to practice medicine after completing their training.

To further address the shortage of first-year residency positions, the Legislature initiated several new programs in 2013, including the Unfilled Residency Position Program and the Resident Physician Expansion Program, and provided just over $14 million in funding. During the following legislative session, legislators consolidated the various programs into the single Graduate Medical Education (GME) Expansion Program and increased funding to over $49 million. Funding has significantly increased over the years and most recently, the Legislature appropriated over $233 million for GME, indicating an increase of $219 million since the GME Expansion Program’s establishment. The GME Expansion Program has supported the creation of 508 new first-year residency positions between 2014 and 2023.

We’ve seen the impact of GME Expansion right here in the Rio Grande Valley. These funds have supported new residency positions in various specialties, like family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, neurology, psychiatry, general surgery, and more. Additionally, the UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, the first podiatry school in Texas, is now eligible for GME funding following the passage of House Bill 2509 during the 2021 Legislative session, which I proudly authored. These funds support residency slots for students to pursue careers in the medical and surgical care of the foot and ankle – an important specialization for the Valley due to its high incidence of diabetes and related diseases of the lower extremities.

More people means more healthcare needs and we must continue to invest in the education of physicians in all corners of the state. The Legislature has made GME Expansion a priority over the years, but the work is not done. As we move forward, we need to ensure that our medical schools and US/Texas students are a priority for GME funding. By further bolstering graduate medical education programs, we can ensure that medical school graduates have the opportunity to train in and ultimately serve the diverse communities across the state.

Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar recently announced that nearly $126 million in financial assistance has been delivered to rural law enforcement and prosecutor offices across the state as part of a grant program assisting rural areas.

Enacted by Senate Bill 22 during the 88^th Legislature, Regular Session, the grant program provides financial assistance to sheriff’s departments, constable’s offices, and district and county attorney’s offices in eligible counties to ensure professional law enforcement and legal representation of the people’s interests throughout the state. Specifically, the grant program allows the Comptroller’s office to administer the Rural Sheriff’s Department Salary Assistance Grant, the Rural Constable’s Office Salary Assistance Grant, and the Rural Prosecutor’s Office Salary Assistance Grant. The Legislature appropriated $330 million for the 2024-25 biennium to fund the grant program.

The following awards were granted to law enforcement and prosecutor offices in Senate District 20:

·     Brooks County – Sheriff Grant Award: $250,000

·     Brooks County – County Attorney Grant Award: $100,000

·     Jim Wells, Brooks Counties – District Attorney Grant Award: $175,000

·     Jim Wells County – Sheriff Grant Award: $350,000

·     Jim Wells County – County Attorney Grant Award: $175,000

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“In Senate Finance Committee hearings, we heard testimony from sheriffs, constables, and prosecutors regarding the vital resources needed for them to continue protecting our communities. By investing in our local law enforcement agencies and prosecutor offices, especially those in rural counties, we are not only strengthening public safety but reinforcing our commitment to supporting the brave men and women who serve and protect us. I thank Lt. Governor Dan Patrick for making this issue a priority last session and Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar for his work on this important issue. I look forward to seeing the impact these grants will have on the communities of Senate District 20.”

Yesterday, the Texas Education Agency announced the appointment of a seven-member Board of Managers and a new superintendent to oversee the operations of the La Joya Independent School District (LJISD). This decision is the result of a TEA investigation that substantiated allegations of fraud and conflicts of interest executed by members of the elected LJISD Board of Trustees.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa released the following statement:

“There is nothing more important to our communities, our families, and the future of our children than a strong public school system. Our dedicated La Joya ISD teachers and staff work tirelessly and do an excellent job preparing our students for success. However, for years we have seen certain board members make decisions that prioritize their own interest to enrich themselves at the expense of our children and taxpayers. Real culture and systemic changes start at the top to ensure they trickle down. While some board members were elected to do the right thing for the school district, they were not enough to overcome the majority and vote in favor of making the necessary changes. TEA determined that a fresh start was the best course of action for our students. I welcome the newly appointed board members who have accepted to serve. I look forward to their leadership in providing proper oversight and correct the mismanagement and unethical practices that have plagued the district for many years. The culture of corruption must end.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa is pleased to announce that the Texas Water Development Board (“TWDB”) has approved a request from the Sharyland Water Supply Corporation (“Sharyland WSC”) of $35,910,000 in financial assistance for the construction of certain water system improvements. Sharyland WSC owns and operates three water treatment plants to exclusively serve approximately 90,846 residents residing northwest of the cities of Mission, McAllen, and Edinburg. Sharyland WSC’s project will increase water treatment capacity and address multiple issues with the treatment plants. In addition, the project will also relocate approximately 26.5 miles of waterlines to accommodate road expansion as required by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

Sharyland WSC qualified for $10 million in principal forgiveness as a disadvantaged community and a $25.91 million loan from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund. Unlike the majority of water districts in Texas, Sharyland WSC, as a nonprofit water supply corporation operating under Chapter 67 of the Texas Water Code, cannot levy taxes and must rely on revenue to pay back debt. TWDB reports that no projected rate increase is anticipated by Sharyland WSC with the addition of this debt and the corporation would gain significant benefits from the state program. According to TWDB, Sharyland WSC could save approximately $19 million based on a 30-year maturity schedule.

Although the project is estimated to cost $68.7 million, the remainder of the funds to pay for the project will come from other sources. The project will be completed with $13.32 million in funding from the Environmental Protection Agency through the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA), a $300,000 grant from the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR), and $19.55 million in cash contribution from the Sharyland WSC, which includes approximately $900,000 in reimbursement from TxDOT.

Senator Hinojosa recognizes the significance of this financial assistance to the future of Mission, McAllen, and Edinburg. He states, “The area Sharyland Water Supply Corporation supplies water to is one of the fastest growing areas in the Rio Grande Valley that needs a capable water provider to meet the needs of those residents and businesses. By investing in the project proposed by Sharyland Water Supply Corporation, we are taking proactive steps to ensure that economic development is not hindered by the lack of clean water.”

Senator Hinojosa extends his congratulations to the Board of Directors of Sharyland WSC for applying for the state funding. He also thanks the TWDB board members and their staff for their support and assistance in making this grant possible.

Today, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa filed for re-election to the Texas Senate. Senator Hinojosa seeks to continue his work for Senate District 20 by providing for an educated and healthy workforce, investing in critical infrastructure, protecting our communities, creating jobs, lowering taxes, and furthering economic development. He has proven session after session that his approach to public policy and his decisions on legislation are driven by what is best for our South Texas families.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am honored to serve the people of Senate District 20. There are continuing challenges and issues we need to resolve, and I am running for re-election to continue working to find solutions that benefit our communities and our state.

As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I have worked tirelessly to take care of the needs of our families. With the surplus funds we have had the past two sessions, I have focused on legislation and funding that increases access to quality education, affordable healthcare, safe communities, and providing tax relief for homeowners and businesses.

To ensure that our future generations, our children and grandchildren, have the resources they need to thrive, I have secured funding and supported investments in infrastructure projects including broadband, water, roads, and the electric grid. I also remain committed to supporting policies and programs that create jobs, provide training opportunities, like apprenticeships, and enhance scholarship funding for students.

As a border state, we must address the issues surrounding border security effectively. As a lifelong border resident, I understand the importance of finding comprehensive solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all Texans. I am committed to border security and continuing to work collaboratively to find solutions that protect our communities while upholding our values and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Senate District 20. Together, we can overcome the challenges and address the problems identified during the pandemic and the electric grid crisis. Together we can ensure a brighter and stronger future for all Texans. I humbly ask for your support and vote to continue our teamwork in benefiting our communities.”

Senator Hinojosa has received the prestigious honor of being named “Top Ten Best Legislators” for Texas Monthly magazine three times and named “Top Ten Legislator” by Capitol Inside three times.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces (part), Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Vice Chairman of the Senate Special Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; and Jurisprudence.

The Texas Transportation Commission recently announced the allocation of over $345 million for 83 projects throughout the state, aimed at improving access, safety, and mobility options for schools, jobs, public transit, and local destinations. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa is pleased to announce that Jim Wells County is one of the recipients, having been awarded $1.4 million for the Hwy 281 Pedestrian Connectivity and Accessibility Sidewalk project.

“I appreciate the Jim Wells County Commissioners Court for their dedication and commitment to enhancing our communities,” said Senator Hinojosa. He added, “Sidewalks in our neighborhoods are important, as they not only promote safety but also foster a sense of connectivity and accessibility for all residents.”

The Transportation Alternatives program plays a vital role in supporting local projects that enhance bicycle and pedestrian amenities for individuals of all ages and abilities. These initiatives aim to improve safe access to multimodal options and connect important community destinations such as schools, jobs, downtowns, commercial areas, and medical facilities for Texans who walk, use a wheelchair, or bike.

Senator Hinojosa is also pleased to announce that the Texas Workforce Commission recently awarded five dual credit grants, totaling over $900,000, to five Texas independent school districts (ISD). Alice ISD has been awarded $220,000 for a nursing program. These grants will enable the ISDs to purchase, repair, or replace equipment for career and technical education programs that provide postsecondary training to students for high-demand industries.

“Congratulations to the Alice ISD Administration, the Trustees, and the dedicated staff for their leadership and their work on securing this important grant,” said Senator Hinojosa. “With the ongoing nursing shortage, this investment and program will not only have a positive impact in addressing the nursing shortage, but will also provide our students the skills and tools needed to get a good paying job in a high-demand occupation,” he concluded.

The Texas Workforce Commission utilizes funding from the Skills Development Fund to support, create, and expand dual credit and career and technical education programs that cater to the local demand for high-skill industries, offering well-paying job opportunities.

I encourage all Texans to vote for Proposition 9 and support our retired Texas teachers. The approval of this proposition in November will provide a much-needed Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to certain Teacher Retirement System (TRS) members. It has been two decades since our TRS beneficiaries received a COLA, making this proposition long overdue. 

If approved by the voters in November, Proposition 9 will establish a permanent COLA to retirement benefits, ensuring that our retired teachers and other school employees receive the financial support they deserve. This significant step forward was made possible with the passage of SB 10 and HJR 2, which I co-authored, during the recent legislative session. These bills not only authorized the proposition but also secured an appropriation of $3.355 billion to fund the COLA. 

The impact of this COLA will take effect with the January 2024 annuity payment, providing much-needed relief to retired teachers who have been struggling with the loss of their purchasing power due to inflation. It is important to recognize the sacrifices our educators have made throughout their careers, and it is our duty to ensure their financial security during retirement. 

Over the past several years, I have heard countless stories from retired teachers who are living paycheck to paycheck and having to decide between buying their medication or food for their next meal. These devoted public servants have dedicated their lives to shaping the minds of our future generations, and it is only fair that we reciprocate their commitment by supporting Proposition 9. 

I would like to express my appreciation to the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) for their unwavering advocacy and tireless work in support of a COLA increase. Specifically, I want to thank Pat Macias from Alice, and Leroy DeHaven from Corpus Christi, both former TRTA Presidents, for their leadership and invaluable contributions. Their commitment to the cause and dedication to improving the lives of retired teachers has been instrumental in making this proposition a reality.

By supporting Proposition 9, we can ensure that our retired teachers and other school employees receive the financial support they deserve and that their sacrifices are recognized. Let us come together as a community and vote in favor of Proposition 9, securing a brighter future for our retired teachers and the generations they have inspired. 

Governor Greg Abbott will soon be calling all legislators back to the Capitol for a third special session. The purpose of this session will be to discuss and potentially pass a school voucher bill in Texas. I want to make it clear that I have consistently voted against vouchers in the past, and I will continue to do so during this special session.

I urge teachers, school employees, and the business community to join me in opposing vouchers. Our constitution guarantees a free public education, and it is our duty to protect this fundamental right. Vouchers and scholarships that divert public funds towards private education undermine the very essence of our public school system.

Public schools play a key role in training our future workforce. They provide a comprehensive education that prepares students for the challenges of the modern world. By diverting funds to private schools through vouchers, we risk weakening our public education system and hindering the development of a skilled workforce.

Vouchers will have a negative impact on our economy. By taking away funds from public schools, we are depriving them of the resources necessary to provide a quality education. This, in turn, will hinder our ability to attract businesses and industries that rely on a well-educated workforce. Investing in public education is an investment in our state’s economic future.

It is important to address the unmet needs within our public schools before considering any diversion of funds. Our teachers and school employees deserve a pay raise for their tireless dedication to our children’s education. We can and must do more to address the high cost of health insurance for our educators and their families to ensure their well-being. We must also prioritize the safety of our students and address unmet safety needs and ensure adequate resources for school security.

Several reports, such as those issued by the Teacher Vacancy Task Force and the House Select Committee on Educational Opportunity and Enrichment, have offered great recommendations to the legislature. While some of these recommendations have been passed by either the House or the Senate, they have not been sent to the Governor for final approval. Instead, the progress of these proposals is being held hostage by the push to pass private school vouchers, which will only benefit a select few.

Vouchers will not solve the pressing issues impacting our students and teachers; instead, they will only exacerbate them. We must focus on strengthening our public education system, not dismantling it. By rallying together, we can make our voices heard and protect the future of our children and our state.

I urge teachers, school employees, and the business community to get involved. Contact your representatives, attend public hearings, and voice your concerns. Together, we can ensure that our public schools remain the cornerstone of our community, providing a quality education for all Texas students. Let us stand united against school vouchers and work towards a brighter future for our public education system. Our children deserve nothing less.