(AUSTIN, TX) — Senator Lois W. Kolkhorst (R-Brenham) has been appointed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to serve on the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding.

The committee is being formed in response to the disastrous and deadly Central Texas floods, which are a focus of the upcoming Special Session of the Texas Legislature.

“I am grateful and honored to be appointed to the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding,” said Kolkhorst. “I will serve with the somber respect that the gravity of this disaster deserves. This committee will work diligently and thoroughly for all Texans impacted by this disaster. I look forward to carefully searching for new ways to improve warning systems for any future disasters.”

The Committee will examine the following items on the impending special session call:

1. Flood Warning Systems
2. Flood Emergency Communications
3. Relief Funding for Hill Country Floods
4. Natural Disaster Preparation & Recovery

“The creation of both the House and Senate’s Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding is just the beginning of the Legislature looking at every aspect of this tragic event,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. “Right now, we must focus on the recovery of those still missing, then rebuilding communities in flooded areas. In the coming year, and into the next regular legislative session, we will gather all the facts and answer the many questions to which the public demands answers. I look forward to working with Speaker Burrows on these critical issues.”

Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows has named members to the House Joint Committee as well. The hearings of the Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding will be held jointly on July 23 in Austin during the 89th Special Session, with the second hearing in Kerrville the following week.

Senators serving on the Senate Select Committee include: Sen. Charles Perry, Chairman; Sen. Pete Flores, Vice Chair; Sen. Paul Bettencourt; Sen. César Blanco; Sen. Donna Campbell; Sen. Adam Hinojosa; Sen. José Menéndez; and Sen. Charles Schwertner.

Representatives named by Speaker Burrows to the House Joint Committee are: Rep. Ken King, Chair; Rep. Armando Martinez, Vice-Chair; Rep. Greg Bonnen; Rep. Drew Darby; Rep. Ann Johnson; Rep. AJ Louderback; Rep. Joe Moody; Rep. Wes Virdell; and Rep. Terry Wilson

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