AUSTIN, TX – Yesterday, Senator Hinojosa filed Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) No. 13 to protect Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park from the proposed construction of a border wall through this treasured site.  This SCR, if passed, would urge the United States Congress to oppose construction of a border wall through the 600 acre park along the Rio Grande which serves as a wildlife corridor that allows native species to survive.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement on the filing of this SCR:

“Bentsen State Park is one of the RGV’s most treasured and visited sites. Not only is it part of the World Birding Center which attracts more than 30,000 visitors annually, it is also a gathering place for families and friends of all ages and economic status. Our state parks protect our native wildlife and also help promote a healthy lifestyle for our residents. I will do everything I can to protect this park for our children, grandchildren and future generations.”

Senator Hinojosa previously sent a letter to the U.S. Border Patrol Branch Chief expressing his concerns about the proposed wall and the impact it would have on park operations, wildlife habitat, and public visitation that would lead to a decrease in public visits and even possible closure. Senator Hinojosa encouraged border patrol to continue exploring alternatives to the wall project and noted that as vice chair of the Senate Finance Committee and member of the conference committee that writes the final budget, he has secured millions for the Texas Parks and Wildlife to protect our border and provide safety for those visiting the park.

In the letter to U.S. Border Patrol Senator Hinojosa made the following request:

“I am requesting that CBP work with TPWD to look for alternatives to reduce or limit the damage done to Bentsen State Park. Border security is best achieved through collaborative working relationships and enhanced communication between our federal, state, and local law enforcement.”

A concurrent resolution is used when both chambers have an interest in a particular matter. Such resolutions may originate in either chamber but must be adopted by both. Concurrent resolutions may be used to memorialize (petition) the U.S. Congress to take certain action. Concurrent resolutions, except those that pertain solely to matters between the two chambers, must be submitted to the governor for approval.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; and, Agriculture.

AUSTIN, TX – Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced Senate committee assignments for the 86th Legislative Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee for the six consecutive session. He will continue his appointments to the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Economic Development. Senator Hinojosa has also been appointed to the newly created Senate Committee on Property Tax and the Senate Committee on Agriculture.

Senator Hinojosa’s continued appointment as Vice Chair of Senate Finance and his new appointment to the Property Tax Committee secures his influential leadership position and his significant impact on the state budget-writing process that will benefit the South Texas region.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am honored that Lt. Governor Patrick has again entrusted me with the important responsibility of serving as Vice Chair of Senate Finance. I look forward to working with Chair Nelson, the committee members, and House Appropriations to craft a state budget that addresses our state’s needs and makes the investments necessary to continue Texas’ economic growth.

I am also privileged to have been named to the new Property Tax Committee. Finding a solution to skyrocketing property taxes that is fair, equitable, and meets the needs of Texans is a priority.

It is a real problem when the property tax bills being paid by our working families are as much as a mortgage payment. Our families should not be priced out of their homes because of a broken tax system.

As in past sessions, there will not be enough money available to do all the things we would like. However, I am committed to working with my colleagues to find ways to fund education and essential healthcare services, invest in our youth and workforce through education and skills training, create more jobs, and invest in the infrastructure we need for future success.  

South Texas continues to grow and I am pleased that through my committee appointments I will be able to keep the needs of our region at the forefront. I look forward to working with my Senate and House colleagues to bring forth practical solutions that will benefit our Texas families and ensure our state’s continued prosperity.”  

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Property Tax; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; and, Agriculture.

Austin, TX – Yesterday, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined Senator Jane Nelson, Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, as co-author of Senate Bill 3.This bill, if passed, will provide Texas’ 350,000 classroom teachers a permanent $5,000 salary increase.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

I am proud to join Senator Nelson as co-author of Senate Bill 3. Our teachers are key to a quality education. They are the backbone of our education system and this pay raise is long overdue.

I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure this pay increase for our teachers as well as reforming our public school finance system. The reforms should aim to provide an equal playing field to ensure similar access to educational funds for every public school system regardless of wealth or location. Education is the best equalizer. We must give our school children the best resources we can for them to succeed.”

The introduced Senate budget for the fiscal year 2020-21 totals $62.2 billion for public education, which a 12.5 percent increase (or a $6.9 billion), in comparison to the current biennium. The initial proposed increases includes the $3.7 billion for the increased teacher salary, $2.3 billion for property tax relief, $0.9 billion in the Foundation School Program (FSP), and $204.7 million in Federal Funds. Appropriations for the FSP include an estimated $2.4 billion for student enrollment growth.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs.

McALLEN, TX – Today, President Donald Trump visited the Rio Grande Valley to participate in a roundtable on immigration and border security issues and receive a briefing on border security. During his visit, President Trump continued to call for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

I appreciate President Trump visiting the Rio Grande Valley. We are proud of our safe border communities, culture, thriving economy, and proximity to Texas’ number one trading partner, Mexico.

To be clear, I do not support open borders. As a nation, we have the right to define and defend our border. And, we also have the right to know who comes into our country. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, I have worked with Governor Abbott, Lt. Governor Patrick, and my legislative colleagues over the last three legislative sessions to craft smart border security solutions that keep Texans safe. Since 2013, Texas has spent more than $2.8 billion on border security. The past two sessions alone, Texas has invested at least $1.6 billion.

I agree with President Trump on funding the following:  cutting edge technology for detecting drugs, weapons, illegal contraband; more agents and immigration judges to process immigration cases; urgent request for humanitarian assistance and medical support. However, as a resident and representative of a community along the Texas-Mexico border, I can assure you that it is unnecessary to allocate billions of dollars for a border wall.

There are already strategically located structures, fences, and other barriers that can be improved and enhanced. However, we should not be extending them into environmentally sensitive areas such as Bentsen State Park. The effectiveness of these obstacles is questionable, as humans have found ways to circumvent walls for thousands of years. It is clear that the majority of drugs are brought into this country by cars, trains, planes, boats, and even submarines.

I would strongly urge and encourage President Trump to focus on border security instead of a wall.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs.

AUSTIN, TX – Lt. Governor Dan Patrick has appointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa to the Select Committee to Determine a Sufficient Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund. The committee met this morning and adopted a sufficient balance of $7.5 billion.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Select Committee to Determine a Sufficient Balance of the Economic Stabilization Fund (ESF). The balance of the ESF is at an all-time high, so it is appropriate that the Legislature discuss ways to best use the fund to address the present and future needs of the state. At the same time, any expenditures of the fund must be thoughtful and deliberative so that we will have sufficient reserves to deal with exigent circumstances as they arrive, and so that we can maintain the state’s excellent credit rating.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Yesterday, Valente Olivarez, Jr., P.E., began his new position as the Corpus Christi District Engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) after serving as Deputy District Engineer since 2015. Olivarez will supervise the planning, design, building, operation and maintenance of the state transportation system in the following counties: Aransas, Bee, Goliad, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Live Oak, Nueces, Refugio and San Patricio.

Originally from Mission, Olivarez began his career with TxDOT at the Pharr Area Office in 1999 after graduating from Texas A&M University in Kingsville. Olivarez received several construction awards from the Association of General Contractors for his work in the Rio Grande Valley and eventually reached the position of Pharr Area Engineer in 2006.

In 2014, Olivarez was chosen as the Director of Operations for the Corpus Christi District, and the following year he was promoted to Deputy District Engineer. Olivarez served as project manager for the $1 billion Harbor Bridge project.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement regarding Olivarez:

“I congratulate Valente Olivarez, Jr. on his appointment as the new Corpus Christi District Engineer. With his background, knowledge, and experience, I am confident that he will effectively guide the Corpus Christi District. Olivarez has also proven his ability to lead throughout his career, especially as the project manager of the considerable Harbor Bridge project.

In every meeting I have participated in with former District Engineer Chris Caron regarding the Harbor Bridge project, Olivarez has been an active and knowledgeable participant.

As a South Texas native, Olivarez will be a great asset in overseeing the transportation infrastructure needs of the Corpus Christi District’s 10 counties. I look forward to working with him to improve mobility and enhance the quality of life and economic vitality of our region.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs.

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Wednesday commemorates the legacy of Dr. Hector P. Garcia, a Mexican-American civil rights leader who founded the American GI forum and fought for the rights of Hispanics in this country. In 2009, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa designated the third Wednesday in September as Dr. Hector P. Garcia Day through Senate Bill 495. The bill authorized the observance of the day by schools and state agencies to honor Dr. Garcia and teach our younger generations about his legacy. Senator Hinojosa also passed a resolution naming a portion of State Highway 286 the Dr. Hector P. Garcia Memorial Highway in Corpus Christi.

Dr. Garcia was a legendary physician and World War II Veteran who fought for the rights of Hispanics and veterans who were denied educational, medical and housing opportunities. He also fought for labor rights, voting rights, and justice system reform. He selflessly served and advocated for the most vulnerable and underserved portions in our communities.

Dr. Garcia was the first Mexican-American to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our country’s highest civilian honor, and earned a Bronze Star and six battle stars for his military service. He served as an advisor to Presidents John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson and Jimmy Carter and served as the first Hispanic on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Senator Hinojosa commented on the value of commemorating Dr. Garcia’s contributions:

“All Texans should remember Dr. Hector P. Garcia, an extraordinary man who dedicated his life to public service and the equal treatment of all. Dr. Garcia courageously fought for the civil rights of veterans and Hispanics, breaking down the barriers they faced to education, health care, fair labor practices, and housing.

Dr. Garcia never wavered in his commitment to the United States Constitution and equality for all. In addition to being a strong advocate for equal rights, he provided medical care to underserved communities regardless of their ability to pay. As both a soldier and a civilian, Dr. Garcia demonstrated leadership and sacrifice in his fight to protect our liberties and ensure that all Americans are treated with dignity and respect.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation; Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs.

McALLEN, TX — Residents in parts of Hidalgo County have suffered widespread or severe damage and loss of property from the torrential rain that has fallen in the region. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa and Hidalgo County officials have contacted the state’s emergency management agencies, seeking a disaster declaration for Hidalgo County from Governor Greg Abbott.

Hidalgo County Judge Ramon Garcia has signed a local disaster declaration asking the state for recovery assistance and submitted it to the Governor.

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“With the significant flooding that has occurred in Hidalgo County, a disaster declaration is certainly in order. Our residents and businesses need help getting their property repaired or restored as soon as possible so they can go about their lives. A disaster declaration will help our families with the stress they are under right now.

I have been in contact with Hidalgo County leaders and Governor Abbott’s staff and we are ready to assist in any manner possible to make sure Hidalgo County residents receive the help they need at this time.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development, Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs and Transportation.

MCALLEN, TX – Yesterday, after tireless efforts between Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Congressman Henry Cuellar, Senator John Cornyn, Governor Greg Abbott, and McAllen Mayor Jim Darling, the Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD) of the Governor’s Office announced the awarding of grants to several local entities for Humanitarian Relief for Unaccompanied Children and Families.

Together, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, and the City of McAllen were awarded over $350,000 in federal funds. These grant funds are to reimburse the entities for costs such as food, shelter transportation, and medical expenses incurred between 2014 and 2016 due to the large amount of unaccompanied minors crossing the U.S.-Mexico border into Texas.

In 2015, Senator Hinojosa, in coordination with Congressman Cuellar, added a measure into the state supplemental appropriations bill to reflect a provision in a federal appropriations bill that would allow the state to use Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to reimburse the entities for their costs incurred to provide humanitarian relief. However, due to a misinterpretation from FEMA, the release of the funds was delayed.

In 2017, Senator Hinojosa met with Governor Abbott’s staff who agreed to send a letter to FEMA requesting that previously awarded but unspent 2014 Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) funds be returned to the State of Texas to relieve the financial burden on our border communities from humanitarian relief efforts. FEMA approved the request and, following an application process, granted the funds.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“After years of effort, I’m pleased that the City of McAllen, Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, and the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley have finally been reimbursed by the federal government for some of the costs they incurred in responding to the influx of unaccompanied children and families from Central America between 2014 and 2016.

I want to compliment Congressman Henry Cuellar, Senator John Cornyn, Governor Greg Abbott, and McAllen Mayor Jim Darling for working on this bipartisan effort between federal, state, and local officials to ensure that these entities did not bear all the costs associated with their herculean efforts to manage a humanitarian crisis.

I also want to thank Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, and the City of McAllen for stepping up and providing humanitarian aid to children and families in their time of need.”

McAllen Mayor Jim Darling issued the following statement:

“Oh behalf of the City of McAllen, I want to express deep appreciation to Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa for their efforts in obtaining the reimbursement funds for the City’s operational costs incurred at the respite center. Through their efforts, we were able to obtain reimbursement for providing some basic services in the operation of the center. I would also like to thank Senator Cornyn and Congressman Henry Cuellar for their efforts at the federal level.”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development, Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs and Transportation.

Corpus Christi – Today, Nueces County finalized the sale of the Historic 1914 Nueces Courthouse to Nueces County Courthouse Development Partners, LLC. This brings closure to Nueces County’s financial obligation to secure and maintain the structure.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Congratulations to Nueces County and the Nueces County Courthouse Development Partners! I am pleased that after years of working with Judge Neal, Commissioner Pusley, and the Texas Historical Commission, we have finally found a solution for the use of the structure. The decision to sell the building, and the buyers agreement to maintain the historic structure, is a win for all. I can’t wait for the iconic building to be restored and turned into a beautiful hotel. I wish much success to the new owners.”

The Historic Courthouse was built in 1914 and served the county for over sixty years. In 1970, Hurricane Celia caused damage and the masonry veneer began to detach from the building. In 1977, the historic courthouse was left vacant as staff moved to the new courthouse. In 1976, the historic courthouse obtained a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. However, in 1995, the building was listed on the list of “Most Endangered Historic Properties.”

After several studies, the building was found to be structurally sound and in 2002, Nueces County was awarded an emergency grant of $1.9 million from the Texas Historical Commission to restore the exterior of the South wing and install a security system. The County also agreed to commit to the building’s preservation for another 25 years.

In 2010, Nueces County Commissioner Mike Pusley requested another structural evaluation of the building and hired an engineer to perform the study. After the study, Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal and Commissioner Pusley, pushed for the demolition of the structure. This prompted much discussion and a series of meetings to find a solution that was fair to the taxpayers, but also complied with prior agreements with the Texas Historical Commission to preserve the iconic building.

In December of 2015, Senator Hinojosa organized a meeting in Corpus Christi with Judge Neal, Commissioner Pusley, and Mark Wolfe, Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission and his leadership staff to explore all options available to Nueces County to prevent the demolition of the building. It was made clear at this meeting that having a building sitting idle was not an option. The Texas Historical Commission went to work and presented the County with information to consider such as financial incentives including the federal and state historic preservation tax credit programs

Finally, due to the work of Judge Neal and Commissioner Pusley, an offer was made to purchase the Historic Courthouse. The company has agreed to abide by prior agreements to preserve the structure.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces, Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part). Senator Hinojosa served as the Senate President Pro Tempore of the Texas Senate in the 84th Texas Legislature. Senator Hinojosa currently serves as Vice-Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, and serves on the Senate Committees on Natural Resources & Economic Development, Agriculture, Water & Rural Affairs and Transportation.