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 Property Tax Relief Bills Passed by the Legislature

Posted on May 30, 2025 by hinojosa

Yesterday, the Texas Senate granted final passage to significant pieces of legislation that will help reduce the burden of rising property taxes on Texas homeowners: Senate Bill 4/Senate Joint Resolution 2 and Senate Bill 23/Senate Joint Resolution 85. Authored by Senator Paul Bettencourt and joint-authored by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa, these bills will increase the school district homestead tax exemption.

SB 4/SJR 2 will raise the homestead tax exemption from $100,000 to $140,000. Additionally, SB 23/SJR 85 provides an increased homestead tax exemption for disabled homeowners and those aged 65 and older, raising it from $10,000 to $60,000.

Both measures ensure that school districts will not face funding losses from the higher homestead exemptions, as the state will compensate for the difference through general revenue under the new state aid formulas. If approved by voters in November, these exemptions will apply to property taxes for the current year.

Senator Chuy Hinojosa stated, “Rising property taxes are a pressing concern for Texans and a top priority for Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and the Texas Senate. Over the past decade, we have focused on reducing property tax burdens for families, which often feel like a second mortgage. High property taxes strain homeowners and businesses, making it difficult for families to stay in their homes and hindering economic growth.”

Hinojosa continued, “If approved in November, this legislation will provide significant tax relief by raising the homestead exemption to $140,000 and up to $200,000 for homeowners over 65 and individuals with disabilities. This is the largest tax relief package yet and will save families hundreds of dollars on their property tax bill.”

In 2015, the Texas Legislature approved an increase in the residence homestead exemption from $15,000 to $25,000, followed by a voter-approved increase to $40,000 in May 2022. Most recently, in 2023, the Legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 with an overwhelming 83% approval from voters. Texans will have the opportunity to vote on these new proposed increases in the upcoming November election.

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