AUSTIN - Today, Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst appointed Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa as a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission. Senator Hinojosa's new appointment secures an influential leadership position in identifying and eliminating waste, duplication and inefficiencies in our government agencies.

"I am honored to serve as a member of the Sunset Advisory Commission and that Lt. Governor Dewhurst has entrusted me with this important responsibility. This commission is responsible for carrying sunset legislation and thoroughly analyzing the practices and procedures of those government agencies under review. Through this appointment I am able to work to decrease government inefficiencies, increase transparency and ensure that our taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately. I look forward to working with the members of this committee," Hinojosa stated.

Senator Hinojosa will continue to serve as Chairman of the Intergovernmental Relations Committee, Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee and will continue his appointments on the Agriculture, Rural Affairs & Homeland Security, Natural Resources, and Criminal Justice Committees as well as on the Legislative Budget Board. Hinojosa previously served on the Sunset Commission from 2008 through 2011 and carried sunset legislation for high profile agencies such as TxDOT, DPS, and the Texas Water Development Board.

The Sunset Advisory Committee is made up of five Senators and five State Representatives, who review the policies and programs of more than 150 government agencies. The Commission questions the need for each agency, looks for potential duplication of other public services or programs, and considers new and innovative changes to improve each agency's operations and activities. The Commission seeks public input through hearings on every agency under Sunset review and recommends actions on each agency to the full Legislature in the next Session.

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