Senator César J. Blanco Pushes for Stronger Disaster Preparedness & Flood Response After Hearing from Affected Families

Press Release Contact: Taylor Sanchez
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Taylor.sanchez@senate.texas.gov
August 1st, 2025
Senator César J. Blanco Pushes for Stronger Disaster Preparedness
& Flood Response After Hearing from Affected Families
Kerrville, Texas – As a member of the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and
Flooding, Senator César J. Blanco participated in a field hearing in Kerrville on Thursday, July
31st. Committee members heard firsthand from local officials, first responders, and families who
lost loved ones as they examined the state’s disaster response efforts and discussed ways to
strengthen emergency preparedness and flood mitigation statewide.
Senator Blanco issued the following statement:
“My heart is with the families in Kerrville and across Central Texas who are mourning loved
ones after this devastating flood.
“We heard emotional testimony from survivors, community leaders, and first responders who
raised serious concerns about outdated mitigation plans, gaps in emergency response
coordination, Emergency Management Coordinator (EMC) training, interoperability
communications, and the urgent need for stronger early-warning systems, especially in rural and
river-adjacent communities.
“After visiting Kerrville, Hunt, and Camp Mystic and seeing the destruction firsthand, the stakes
couldn’t be clearer. This disaster has shaken our state and underscored the urgent need to
strengthen Texas’ disaster preparedness and response. We must act swiftly and thoughtfully to
make sure tragedies like this do not happen again.”
For further information, please contact Taylor Sanchez at Taylor.Sanchez@senate.texas.gov.