AUSTIN - Today, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst announced Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa as Chairman of the Senate Intergovernmental Relations Committee. Senator Hinojosa will continue to serve as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and will continue his appointments on the Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security, Natural Resources, Criminal Justice, and Transportation Committees as well as on the Legislative Budget Board.

Senator Hinojosa's new appointment as Chairman secures an influential leadership position that will lead a committee important to our South Texas region, while his continued membership on the Senate fiscal team cements his significant influence on the state budget-writing process.

"I am honored to serve as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee and that Lt. Governor Dewhurst has entrusted me with this important responsibility. This committee is responsible for local government issues and oversees legislation that impacts our local economies. Through this appointment I am able to put the Coastal Bend and South Texas at the forefront of the critical discussions that will be taking place during the upcoming legislative session. I look forward to working with the members of this committee," Hinojosa stated.

The Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IGR) is responsible for creating or amending statutes within the Local Government Code and oversees the creation or modification of special districts in Texas, including Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) and Municipal Management Districts (MMDs). Most legislation in IGR deals with "local" bills that cover a wide variety of issues impacting local government -- including local housing guidelines, improving the affordability of housing, drought and wildfire preparedness, tax liens, assisting local governments in reducing costs associated with procurement, and local government transparency. Senator Hinojosa's Chairmanship will play an instrumental role in magnifying the issues of South Texas in the State Capitol, ensuring that our state provides our local governmental entities with a cohesive set of policies that allow for collaboration, efficiency, and transparency.

"There is no question that the upcoming legislative session will be yet another challenging one. Our communities face challenging issues and our lawmakers face significant hurdles. But now is the critical time to invest in our state's rebounding economy - to invest efficiently in our infrastructure, education, agriculture and health care. I am fully committed to continue fighting and to serve the constituents of Senate District 20 through my respective appointments this session," Hinojosa concluded.

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