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 →

Lt. Governor Patrick Releases Senate Committee Assignments for 89th Legislature

Posted on January 18, 2025 by hinojosa

Senator “Chuy” Hinojosa Named Vice Chair of Senate Committee on Finance

Today, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced the Senate committee assignments for the 89th Legislative Session. Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa will serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. He will also serve on the Senate Committees on: Border Security, Criminal Justice, Jurisprudence, and Transportation.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa issued the following statement:

“I am honored that Lt. Governor Patrick has once again entrusted me with the important responsibility of serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee. I look forward to working with Chair Joan Huffman, committee members, and the members of House Appropriations to craft a state budget that will make significant investments that will further strengthen our communities and the Texas economy.

Earlier this week, Comptroller Glenn Hegar presented the Legislature with the Biennial Revenue Estimate, projecting an estimated $194.6 billion in General Revenue available to spend for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This includes a nearly $24 billion surplus expected at the end of fiscal year 2025, which ends on August 31 of this year. The Comptroller also estimates that the Rainy Day Fund is expected to reach its constitutional cap of $28.5 billion. Priority issues this session include funding for water infrastructure, additional investments in our public schools, pay raises for teachers, expanding access to healthcare, supporting our institutions of higher education and workforce training organizations, making insurance more affordable, investing in the electric grid, funding research for Alzheimer’s disease, among others. In addition to these statewide issues, I will also be focused on securing funding for our local priorities and passing bills that address the needs outlined in legislative agendas that have been submitted to my office.

With my committee assignments this session and throughout the legislative process, I will advocate for the needs of the Rio Grande Valley and the Coastal Bend regions. I look forward to collaborating with the members of my legislative delegation in the Texas House, as well as all members of the Texas Senate, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, Speaker Dustin Burrows, and Governor Greg Abbott. Together we will work to keep the Texas economy strong!”

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa proudly represents the counties of Nueces (part), Jim Wells, Brooks, and Hidalgo (part).

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