CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Wednesday, September 21, 2022 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 legislation 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:

“Dr. Hector P. Garcia was an American hero who showed everyone the value of standing up for marginalized people in our society. His dedication to equality and bettering society for everyone is something we can all learn from and do more of every day. Dr. Garcia broke down the barriers the Hispanic community faced in receiving an education, health care, fair labor practices, and housing. He demonstrated leadership and sacrifice in his fight to protect our liberties and ensure that all Americans are treated with dignity and respect.

Dr. Garcia embodies the spirit of selflessness and public service. As a private American citizen, he exercised his constitutional rights to elevate awareness about the plight of neglected Americans. As a physician, he provided access to medical care to underserved communities. As a soldier, he demonstrated valor and sacrifice as he fought to protect our liberties. Dr. Hector P. Garcia never wavered in his commitment to the United States Constitution and equality for all.”

September is suicide prevention month. We should take this opportunity to both raise awareness of those who tragically die each year by suicide and remember there are concrete steps we can take to prevent such deaths from occurring in the future.

Every day, more than 6 Texans die by suicide and another 30 are hospitalized due to an unsuccessful attempt. Equally as troubling is the increased rate of suicide amongst veterans, who die by suicide at nearly twice the rate as non-veterans. And perhaps most troubling of all, suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth ages 15-24.

These tragic events are preventable through increased awareness, smarter policies, and empowering people to help others or themselves. This past session, I passed SB 279, which requires all student ID cards for students in 6th grade or higher to include the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This simple step ensures children have easy access to this life-saving information, as they typically carry this card daily.

On top of this effort, during the past two legislative sessions we invested more than $330 million in the Texas Child Mental Health Care Consortium, which helps address mental health challenges and service disparities for our children. This will allow for early intervention for students at risk of suicide, substance abuse, or becoming a danger to themselves or others.

We also know that limiting quick access to lethal means is a proven way to reduce suicides. Over 70%  of people with highly lethal suicide attempts thought about suicide for one hour or less prior to the attempt. Since we know that people tend to think about suicide for short periods of time, putting time and distance between a person and their chosen method for suicide is an effective way to decrease suicide attempts and deaths. This includes locking these items away or removing them from the house altogether and having a friend or family member stay with the person at risk.

Lastly, it is important that we speak up when we are concerned that someone we know might be considering suicide. Connecting individuals with 988, the new number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a proven way to prevent current and future risk of suicide. Also, informing family, teachers, and friends helps increase the likelihood of positive intervention. Talking about suicide and reducing the stigma around such feelings is something we can all do and saves lives.

Let’s all remember, we have the power and tools to save lives. Through seemingly small actions, we can save someone’s life. So this suicide prevention month, let’s do more to eliminate suicides in our communities and ensure no one has an empty seat at the dinner table or vacant home next door because of a suicide.

AUSTIN, TX — On Thursday, the Texas Transportation Commission (Commission) met and took action on items that benefit Nueces County. The projects are included in the Texas Department of Transportation’s (TxDOT) 2023 Unified Transportation Program (UTP) adopted unanimously by the Commission. The UTP includes all transportation projects that TxDOT is developing for construction over the next ten years and guides the development of those projects.

The Commission unanimously approved the 2023 Unified Transportation Program which includes the following projects:

Nueces County:

• $52 million to upgrade SH 286 in Corpus Christi from FM 43 to South of FM 2444. The funding for this project was increased by $10.4 million to fund the $52 million project.
• $28 million to widen SH 286 in Corpus Christi from SH 358 to Horne Rd. This is a New Authorization project.
• $40 million for freeway ramps on SH 358 from Nile Drive to Staples St.
• $21.3 million to widen FM 624 from CR 73 to Wildcat Dr.
• $17.9 million for safety and operational improvements to Park Road 22 from Aquarius St. to Whitecap Blvd.  

These projects are in addition to the ongoing $1 billion Harbor Bridge replacement project, the $50.7 million for the SH 358 (SPID) eastbound ramp reversal in Corpus Christi, and a regular maintenance budget of $51 million.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“Infrastructure is key to continue the economic growth of the Coastal Bend. I appreciate the Texas Transportation Commission’s unanimous vote to approve the 2023 Unified Transportation Program.

The Coastal Bend legislative delegation has been working closely with the Commission and TxDOT leadership to make our priorities known and to continue advocating for additional investments in transportation infrastructure projects in our region. Our efforts have led to more than $1 billion in ongoing construction projects and the approved 2023 UTP includes another $2.3 billion in planned projects over the next ten years. The Commission and TxDOT leadership continue to show their support and commitment to Corpus Christi and the counties in TxDOTs Corpus Christi District. These investments in our transportation infrastructure create jobs, strengthen our economy, and prepare us for future 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, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation, and Special Committee to Protect All Texans.

AUSTIN, TX — Yesterday, the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved $145.7 million in funding for the UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center (Center) project. This marks a significant step in the continued transformation of the Rio Grande Valley through education and access to health care that will have tremendous benefits for our families.

Last year, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa joined UTRGV President Guy Bailey in announcing the Center which will include oncology advisory services provided by The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. The UT Health RGV Cancer and Surgery Center is part of the phase 1 development of UTRGV’s McAllen Academic Medical Campus on the recently acquired 38 acres, located on the south side of Pecan Boulevard between Jackson and McColl roads.

The 144,231 square-foot Center will allow for comprehensive cancer and surgical services that are on the leading edge of medicine by serving as an incubator to train the physicians and scientist leaders of the future. The three story Center will include a radiation oncology clinic, medical oncology clinic, diagnostic imaging suite, rehabilitation therapy, ambulatory surgery center, and an orthopedics clinic.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, lead author of Senate Bill 24 which created UTRGV and the School of Medicine, welcomed the expenditures by the UT System:

“I am pleased that the UT System Board of Regents voted to approve funding for this important and significant project for the Rio Grande Valley and all South Texas. We started this journey several years ago. In fact, the concept was first proposed by DHRs leadership to create a partnership with M.D. Anderson. In an op-ed I wrote in March 2020, I mentioned our efforts to increase partnerships with the best entities in the field, such as M.D. Anderson. We continue working to secure the partnerships and investments necessary so that in the future our cancer patients in South Texas will have access to top notch facilities and world-class doctors — here at home. The approval for funding from the UT System Board of Regents will make the UT Health Cancer and Surgery Center a reality.

Approving the allocation of the funds necessary for this Center advances the goal of expanding access to educational opportunities and medical education which will increase access to care for our Valley families and help decrease our physician shortage in the region. I appreciate the leadership of Dr. Guy Bailey and the work being done by School of Medicine Dean Dr. Michael Hocker to ensure Senate Bill 24 continues transforming the Valley by increasing access to high quality care and facilities to benefit all of South Texas,” Senator Hinojosa stated.

The UT System Board of Regents authorized the expenditure of $145,723,401 with funding of $49,493,963 from Permanent University Fund (PUF) Bond Proceeds, $44,922,833 from Tuition Revenue Bond (TRB) Proceeds which was supported by the Rio Grande Valley Legislative Delegation and approved by the Texas Legislature in 2021, $40,000,000 from Revenue Financing System (RFS) Bond Proceeds, $10,306,605 from Designated Funds, and $1,000,000 from Gifts.

Up until 2013, UT-Pan American and UT-Brownsville were not PUF eligible schools. With the passage of Senate Bill 24, UTRGV was created as a new university and was given access to these funds.  

AUSTIN, TX — Today, Senate Finance Chairwoman Joan Huffman and Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced a plan to exempt feminine hygiene products from state and local sales tax. This will require the legislature to pass a bill next session making this change.

Senate Finance Vice-chair Hinojosa issued the following statement in support:

“I will be proud to join the efforts of Chair Huffman and Comptroller Hegar to exempt feminine hygiene products from sales tax next session. Exempting these essential products is long overdue and it is time we join the many other states that have already made this move. I look forward to working with my colleagues on passing this legislation.”

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, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation, and Special Committee to Protect All Texans.

RAYMONDVILLE, TX – Today, the ceremony for the launching of the second phase of the Raymondville Drain Project took place at a site 18 miles east of Raymondville. The Raymondville Drain Project is 63-mile regional floodway running from Edinburg to the Laguna Madre that will provide stormwater management to Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties. As the largest regional project in the Rio Grande Valley, the project will allow for the future economic growth of the region by mitigating detrimental flooding events. 

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“The Raymondville Drain Project is critical to the future of our communities in the Rio Grande Valley. Securing funding without burdening our taxpayers has been one of my top priorities as a member of the Legislature. Since 2015, I have been working with Hidalgo County Drainage District No. 1, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ),  and the Texas Water Development Board to secure funding for this project. I appreciate TCEQ Executive Director, Toby Baker for his attendance at the groundbreaking today and for his support in helping secure funding for the project’s second phase through the Texas RESTORE Act.  I also want to thank the leaders of the District, Hidalgo County, and our local state and federal legislative delegation for their commitment and continued hard work in making this project a reality. This event today is another important milestone in seeing this project come to fruition.”

Construction began in 2017 after 40 years of planning due to the lack funding. As Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa was instrumental in authoring and securing funding through the state budget. To date, the state has contributed $19.6 million for the multi-phase drainage project.

Austin, TX – Texas’s highly successful annual Sales Tax Holiday is scheduled this year from Friday, August 5th through midnight Sunday, August 7th and will offer Texans an opportunity to save millions in sales tax on clothing and various back-to-school items. The Comptroller’s office estimates that shoppers will save $112 million in state and local sales tax during this sales tax holiday. With the new school year almost upon us, the timing is perfect for students of all ages to stock up on clothes and supplies.

“The back-to-school season is an excellent opportunity for our Texas families to find bargains and low prices, and at the same time will be an economic driver for our local businesses. Given the increased costs of goods, I encourage our families to take full advantage of the sales tax holiday and save money by shopping this coming weekend. These purchases can be done in stores or from an online seller doing business in Texas,” Senator Hinojosa stated.

Texans who shop during this weekend will not have to pay sales taxes on clothing, school supplies, face masks, backpacks, or footwear priced under $100. Items sold online and layaway plans qualify, as well. The following link to the Texas Comptroller’s webpage will provide more information and a complete list of tax-free items: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/

Contact:

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa – (512) 463-0120

Rep. Abel Herrero – (512) 463-0462

Rep. Todd Hunter – (512) 463-0672

Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recently directed Flatiron/Dragados, LLC to suspend construction of the main-span of the new cable-stayed bridge in Corpus Christi. The suspension stems from TxDOT’s concerns, confirmed by independent reviews, regarding the overall design of the main-span part of the bridge. Since this announcement, our offices have been receiving many calls about this decision and its impact to the residents of the Coastal Bend.

As your state elected officials, we have been in communication with TxDOT’s District Engineer and its leadership in Austin to make the following clear. Public safety and transparency are a priority. It is important for the public to know TxDOTs reasoning for their decision to direct the suspension of construction of the main-span and we expect the agency to release the findings of the independent reviewer as soon as possible. We also expect Flatiron/Dragados to address the issues and concerns identified in the review in an expeditious manner with safety as a priority. It is also our expectation and understanding that construction crews will continue working on parts of the project not related to the main-span. We have been informed that there will be no additional local funds required for any delays or changes to the project. We also expect to be updated as significant changes or decisions are made regarding the Harbor Bridge Project.

TxDOT will provide an update to the residents of Nueces and San Patricio Counties of their review of the project. Any questions from the public or the media can be made to Rickey Dailey with the TxDOT Corpus Christi District Office at (361) 808-2544.

AUSTIN, TX  — Today, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reappointed Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa to the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Funding and Funding Structure Oversight Board which was created in 2019 with the passage of House Bill 1900, co-sponsored by Senator Hinojosa. Due to the COVID pandemic in 2020, the Board was not able to meet and produce a report. This Board was re-authorized during the 2021 legislative session with the passage of Senate Bill 1448 also co-authored by Senator Hinojosa. The board is charged with gathering information regarding how the association’s current funding and funding structure operate and how the catastrophic risk pools of other states operate.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I appreciate Lt. Governor Dan Patrick reappointing me to the Windstorm Insurance Legislative Funding and Funding Structure Oversight Board. As a strong advocate for fair windstorm insurance rates, I will continue to monitor how TWIA is funded and operates. I proudly co-sponsored HB 1900 in 2019 and SB 1448 in 2021 to create this oversight board to develop recommendations that make TWIA operational and sustainable. I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues and our coastal communities to improve regulations and propose funding structures that ensure reasonable, fair, and affordable windstorm insurance rates for coastal residents.”

The board is mandated to report its recommendations to the Legislature by Nov. 15, 2022. Other members of the committee include Co-Chair Senator Charles Schwertner, Senator Lois Kolkhorst, Senator Brandon Creighton, Representative Ryan Guillen, Representative Abel Herrero, Representative Mayes Middleton, and Representative Ed Thompson.

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, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation, and Special Committee to Protect All Texans

Next week, from July 25-30, free health clinics will be available to anyone as part of Operation Border Health Preparedness. This program allows state, local, and nonprofit entities to practice setting up and operating health clinics that may be needed in the case of a public health emergency, while providing free care to the community. These services include medical exams, immunizations for children and adults, sports physicals for students, health and diabetes screenings, and dental and vision exams. A complete listing of sites and services can be found at https://dshs.texas.gov/obhp2022/, but include:

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Brownsville: James Pace Early College High School, 314 W. Los Ebanos Blvd.

Harlingen: Harlingen School of Health Professions, 2302 N. 21^st St.

Laredo: Lyndon B. Johnson 9^th Grade Campus, 5511 St. Luke Blvd.

Raymondville: Raymondville High School, 601 F.M. 3168

Rio Grande City: AC2E Elementary School, 1 S. Fort Ringgold St.

 Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

San Juan: PSJA Early College High School, 805 W. Ridge Road

Senator Hinojosa released the following statement:

“Operation Border Health Preparedness is a great example of a smart policy that not only ensures we are prepared for future public health crises, but also provides an immediate public benefit in the process. Just last year, these clinics provided over 21,000 health services to nearly 5,000 people. Healthcare is a critical need for South Texas residents, and I hope every resident needing these services goes to one of these clinics to get this free care.”

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, Senate Committee on Jurisprudence, and the Senate Committee on Redistricting, and serves on the Senate Committees on Border Security; Criminal Justice; Natural Resources & Economic Development; Transportation, and Special Committee to Protect All Texans.