AUSTIN — Texas voters approved two constitutional amendments sponsored by State Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa in last night's constitutional ballot election. Propositions 8 and 9 passed with 75% and 77% of the vote, respectively.

Senator Hinojosa thanked voters for supporting these two measures, both of which are vital to the Coastal Bend and the Rio Grande Valley.

Proposition 8 will allow the state to invest money and resources to assist and partner with the federal government and private sector to build VA hospitals and clinics to provide health care to veterans. Hinojosa said, "It is our duty to provide military veterans with the medical care they deserve."

Proposition 9 protects the right of the public, individually and collectively, to access and use the public beaches bordering the seaward shore of the Gulf of Mexico.

Senator Hinojosa continued. "Proposition 9 makes the Texas Open Beaches Act a part of the Texas Constitution. With so much development taking place on Texas' coastline, I feel it is important to clarify our right to enjoy public beaches in Texas."

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