A review of damage assessments in Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties shows they exceed federal criteria for disaster assistance and may be eligible for federal programs, which provide financial assistance to assist with qualifying disaster-related expenses. Texans can apply for FEMA disaster assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Additional counties may be added as additional damage assessments are completed in impacted communities.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker House Dustin Burrows issued the following statements today highlighting the close collaboration between the House and Senate on legislation to address concerns raised by the U.S. Department of Justice over Texas congressional districts. In advance of the upcoming special session beginning on July 21, Lt. Gov. Patrick and Speaker Burrows have pledged that House and Senate committees are aligned in their focus to ensure redistricting plans remain in compliance with the U.S. Constitution.
In just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River surged an unimaginable 26 feet, sweeping through the Texas Hill Country and leaving heartbreak in its wake. We are devastated by the lives lost and the families forever changed by this tragedy. Our hearts are especially heavy for the many Texans still waiting for answers or mourning the loss of loved ones. This tragedy hits close to home for me, as I know it does for so many of you.
As your Texas Agriculture Commissioner, I’ve witnessed the strength of our agricultural community through countless challenges, but the recent floods in Central Texas have dealt a devastating blow. Farms and ranches have been submerged, fences destroyed, and livelihoods upended. Our farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness owners need our help to recover, and I’m calling on you to support the State of Texas Agriculture Relief (STAR) Fund, a trusted program dedicated to aiding those hit hardest by this disaster.
Thank God that attempted assassin Thomas Crooks was unable to kill President Donald Trump at his rally in Butler, Pennsylvania (PA). It was a turn of the President’s head to view an immigration chart that saved his life. Of course, believers know that it was Divine intervention, as God saved Trump so he could save America. After being shot in the ear, Trump rose to his feet, yelling, “Fight, Fight, Fight.” It was this act of bravery that sealed his presidential victory.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that the Office of the Governor’s Public Safety Office is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest of Benjamin Hanil Song, who is wanted for his alleged involvement in the July 4th attack on a U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Detention Facility in Alvarado, Texas during which an Alvarado Police Officer was shot and wounded.
On Monday, July 14, the Texas Association of Business (TAB) will launch the “Texas Business Minute” – a daily 55-second, non-partisan news segment available to all Texas media outlets. Available in both audio and video formats, this ready-to-air clip will be delivered free of charge to local Radio and TV outlets across the state. The Association’s purpose is to champion the best business climate in the world, unleashing the power of free enterprise to enhance lives for generations.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Speaker Dustin Burrows created the Select Committees on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding, which will meet jointly. The first hearing will take place at the Capitol on July 23. The second hearing will take place the following week in Kerrville to give residents an opportunity to have their voices heard. The date of that hearing will be announced soon. The Lt. Governor and the Speaker will each appoint 9 members to their chambers’ select committee.
Across the political left, from orthodox Democrats to Antifa in the streets, the opposition to President Donald Trump has lost its collective mind. The House minority leader and now self-styled tough guy, New York Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, poses with a baseball bat to show how dangerous he is in opposing Trump's budget bill. Jeffries harangued Congress for eight hours; New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker went on for 25 -- both to no effect.
Governor Greg Abbott today ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor those who lost their lives due to the devastating floods that impacted Texas over the July 4th holiday weekend. Flags should be returned to full staff at sunrise on Monday, July 14, 2025. The Governor urges everyone to continue to pray for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of these communities, and for the first responders.
Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced today that the agency will begin accepting applications for more than $3.8 billion in available funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program and the Texas Match Assistance Program (TMAP). Administered by the Comptroller’s Broadband Development Office (BDO), the BEAD and TMAP Programs combine federal and state dollars to support broadband infrastructure projects in eligible areas.
As your Agriculture Commissioner, my heart aches for the families shattered by the Independence Day floods in Kerrville and across our Hill Country. The loss of life, especially our precious children at Camp Mystic, is a wound that cuts deep. These floods, with the Guadalupe River rising 29 feet in mere hours, have left our communities reeling, with over 100 lives lost and many still missing.
The Texas General Land Office (GLO) allocated $244,100,000 for the Homeowner Assistance Program to help repair and reconstruct owner occupied single-family homes. The GLO also allocated $43,100,000 for the Homeowner Reimbursement Program to provide eligible applicants with reimbursement for out-of-pocket home repairs between $3,000 and $75,000 for stick-built homes and $3,000 and $50,000 for Manufactured Housing Units.
If you live in Manhattan or Brooklyn – anywhere in New York City – get ready to be socked with higher taxes... and possibly see your home's resale value drop. Business leaders are already doing the math – adding up massive costs of Mamdani's promised universal childcare, transportation & more. The clincher? Mamdani's promised to increase Property Assessments in what he calls "richer and whiter" neighborhoods. Isn't such racism against the law in America?
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) as a result of recent severe storms and flooding that impacted Texas. Under President Donald J. Trump's Major Disaster Declaration, workers and self-employed individuals in Kerr County who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from severe weather may be eligible for DUA benefits.
Leftists and the media are ramping up their attacks on the "One Big Beautiful" tax cut bill with claims – as House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said last week – that "People will literally die" from the GOP "work requirements." The liberal Center for American Progress claims deaths will number in the "tens of thousands of Americans each year." And, they add: "These estimates aren't hysterical." We're having deja vu all over again.
"In times like these, the last thing Texans should have to worry about is taxes. As State & Federal relief efforts move forward, we encourage Merchants & Property Owners to apply for the extensions and property tax savings they may be eligible for during recovery," said Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock earlier today, announcing that businesses in state-declared disaster areas may be granted an extension to file certain tax reports.
The Salvation Army Austin is calling on the Austin Community to help young students living in their two-family emergency shelters. On Saturday, July 12th, The Salvation Army will host a "Stuff the Bus School Supply Drive" in partnership with a local Walmart Store. As customers enter the store, volunteers will provide a list of needed school supplies — including notebooks, backpacks, pens, pencils, and more.