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 →

Historic Funding Supports Texas Volunteer Fire Departments

Posted on October 23, 2025 by hinojosa

In a significant boost for fire protection and emergency services in our state, the Texas Legislature has taken a bold step to support volunteer fire departments. With over 1,500 fire departments staffed mainly by volunteers, many communities, especially in rural areas, depend on these brave individuals for critical emergency response.

During the 89th Regular Session earlier this year, the Legislature allocated a historic $192 million in one-time funding to the Texas A&M Forest Service to tackle the backlog of assistance requests from volunteer fire departments. This funding is specifically aimed at requests submitted on or before November 7, 2024. In addition, the Legislature approved an extra $44 million over the next two years to help ensure continued support for our local fire departments as they face ongoing needs.

On October 14, the Texas A&M Forest Service hosted its first Funding Meeting for Fiscal Year 2026, where approximately $164 million in grants were awarded. Nearly 900 grants were distributed statewide, providing important support to Texas volunteer fire departments. Within the counties of Senate District 20—Brooks, Hidalgo, Jim Wells, and Nueces—volunteer fire departments received nearly $3 million in grants.

Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, was a co-author of HB 500, the state’s Supplemental Appropriations Act, which included the funding for these grants. Senator Hinojosa stated, “I was proud to support HB 500 and the funding that was allocated to our volunteer fire departments who play an important role in keeping our communities and our families safe. These volunteer fire departments, especially in our rural areas, are usually the first ones to respond to wildfires or other emergencies. Providing them with the funding needed to ensure they have the tools and equipment necessary is long overdue.”

The grants awarded will fund brush trucks, slip-on units to add firefighting capability to existing vehicles, and water tenders used to transport large amounts of water to a fire scene in areas lacking fire hydrants. The 89th Legislature has also appropriated $257 million to the Texas A&M Forest Service to enhance firefighting capabilities through the purchase, maintenance, and operation of aircraft dedicated to wildfire suppression.

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