Last week, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced Senate committee assignments for the 89th Texas Legislature.
I am honored to serve on the Senate Committees on Business and Commerce; Health and Human Services; Natural Resources; and Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs. I will also continue my critical work on the Texas Sunset Commission, which I was appointed to in 2024. These assignments are a chance to focus on what truly matters: making life more affordable, expanding opportunities, and building a prosperous future for our communities.
Empowering El Paso-area businesses
Small businesses are the backbone of Senate District 29. From the mom-and-pop shops lining our streets in El Paso to the entrepreneurs shaping the future in our rural towns, these businesses are the heartbeat of our economy. As a new member of the Senate Committee on Business and Commerce, I’ll work to ensure our local job creators have the resources they need to succeed.
Texas is the ninth-largest economy in the world, and El Paso and West Texas play a crucial role in this success. Our region is uniquely positioned as a hub for cross-border trade and international commerce. I am committed to advancing policies that support small businesses, strengthen trade, and build the infrastructure that keeps Texas globally competitive.
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At the same time, I’ll push for investments in workforce development programs that prepare our people for careers in growing industries like aerospace, renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. These initiatives will not only keep talented individuals in El Paso and West Texas but also create a brighter economic future for all of us.
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Prioritizing health and well-being
Health is wealth, and without access to affordable, quality care, opportunities mean little. Health is the foundation of a strong community, yet too many families in our district face barriers to affordable, quality care. Senate District 29 spans over 15,000 square miles, and for many, accessing health care can mean traveling hundreds of miles. Serving again on the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services allows me to tackle these challenges head-on.
This session, I’ll focus on expanding health care access, addressing workforce shortages in the medical field, and improving maternal and mental health services. Whether it’s ensuring new parents have access to quality maternity care or expanding mental health resources for our youth, these are issues that hit close to home for many in our district.
Families in West Texas deserve peace of mind knowing that quality care is available close to home. By prioritizing affordability and accessibility, we can create a health care system that truly serves everyone in West Texas.
Securing our energy future
West Texas has always been an energy powerhouse, contributing significantly through both renewable and traditional energy sources. As a member of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, I’ll work to ensure our region continues to lead the way in energy innovation while addressing critical challenges.
Our district is uniquely positioned to take advantage of geothermal energy, an emerging renewable resource with enormous potential. By investing in geothermal technology, we can create high-paying jobs and establish West Texas as a leader in clean energy.
At the same time, we need to tackle issues like oil theft in the Permian Basin, which harms our economy and the livelihoods of local patch-workers, as well as address the environmental challenges posed by unplugged oil wells affecting ranchers in West Texas.
On Natural Resources, I will champion a balanced “all of the above and all of the below” energy strategy that leverages our strengths in wind, solar, geothermal, and oil and gas to meet growing energy demands while driving down costs for Texas families.
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Advocating for rural communities
Senate District 29 is home to a vibrant mix of communities, each with its own unique challenges and strengths. Serving on the Senate Committee on Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs provides an opportunity to address these challenges with the urgency they deserve.
Water is life, and securing a sustainable water supply for West Texas is paramount. For both urban and rural communities, reliable access to water is essential for agriculture, business, and daily life. We must invest in infrastructure and conservation efforts to ensure that West Texas has a sustainable water supply for generations to come. Broadband connectivity is another critical issue. Expanding broadband to rural areas will open up opportunities for education, health care, and economic growth, ensuring no one is left behind.
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Shared vision for West Texas
The work of these committees touches every aspect of life in Senate District 29. Whether it’s supporting small businesses, addressing health care disparities, securing our energy future, or uplifting rural communities, the goal remains the same: to create an El Paso and West Texas where everyone has the chance to succeed.
As we begin this legislative session, I am filled with optimism and determination. Together, we can craft policies that make life more affordable, create new opportunities, and build a future defined by prosperity.
From El Paso to the Big Bend to the Permian Basin, the families of West Texas deserve nothing less. Let’s get to work.
State Sen. Ce?sar J. Blanco, D-El Paso, represents District 29.