AUSTIN — Today, the Texas Coalition of Veterans Organization (TCVO) honored Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa with a "Nathan Hale Legislator Award" for his tireless advocacy and significant contributions in passing legislation on behalf of Texas veterans. TCVO held their annual Veterans Summit today in San Antonio which brings together statewide leaders from within the veteran community to examine policy issues facing veterans and their families.

Senator Hinojosa was specifically honored for authoring and passing legislation (HB 194) that will add a "service disabled veteran" in determining whether a business is a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) for purposes of state contracting for construction, services, and commodities purchases. These are businesses that have historically been socially and economically disadvantaged. Businesses owned by veterans who have at least a 20% service-connected disability are now eligible for HUB Certification.

Senator Hinojosa issued the following statement:

"I am grateful and thankful for TCVO's generosity in honoring me with this award. I also thank TCVO for their tremendous work in supporting our veterans and their families.

As a Vietnam Veteran for the United States Marine Corps, I understand the difficult sacrifices that our military families endure on a daily basis. In recognition of the sacrifices our veterans make, I have always fought to ensure we honor our obligations to those who have defended our country.

HB 194 is important legislation for our disabled Veterans who are business owners. It takes great courage and valor to fight for our freedom, incur an injury, come home and still have the desire to start, own, and operate a business. Veterans with this much tenacity and strength should be recognized for this through HUB designation."

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