24
Texas Association of Builders
May/June 2015
Speaking Out
complete and thorough understanding of
the legislative process, which is essential
to this job. I know the difficulties involved
in passing a bill and how important it is to
interface with state agencies. My experience
has taught me the importance of providing
quality customer service to the members
who are only here for 140 days every other
year. It is my job to ensure they have the
facts and information they need to pass
sound public policy. The data we provide
really drives the outcomes. Furthermore,
my strong relationships in the Capitol
have been very valuable to me as I navigate
this new path as an executive office holder
versus a policymaker.
As a 6th generation Texan, you are truly
connected to the Texas way-of-life and
understand the significance of family
owned businesses and hard work. How
do you plan to serve Texas taxpayers and
businesses as Comptroller?
I know firsthand what it’s like to run a
business and the types of constraints the
government can put on success. My priority
is providing the best possible customer
service to tax payers so that their businesses
can thrive. I am committed to doing my
part to ensure the Texas economy remains
healthy and strong.
Many of the bills that have been filed
this session have been aimed at reducing
and/or eliminating certain taxes. In your
opinion, what is the most effective method
to maintain a balanced state budget, while
providing relief to tax payers?
Like most taxpayers I have strong opinions
about tax relief. However, as I mentioned
before, I am no longer a policymaker so
I have to respect that line. My new job is
to provide the Legislature with the most
accurate financial information possible to
assist in their decision making process. I
am confident the Legislature will find that
appropriate balance this session. From an
agency perspective, I have identified nine
outdated and antiquated taxes for repeal.
I took a hard look at how we employ our
resources, coupled with the best way to
serve taxpayers and discovered it would be
more efficient to eliminate these taxes.
It is well known that you are a strong
supporter of transparency, open
government and fiscal responsibility for
Texas. The Comptroller’s website is a
great resource that allows taxpayers to
understand where their tax dollars are
being spent. What do you think could be
done to improve upon the current level of
government transparency?
My predecessor did a phenomenal job
implementing the transparency measures
we pushed through in the 2007 session.
Because of her, much of our state and
local government’s financial information
can be found online. However, the bulk
of that program was created in 2009 and
6 years later it just doesn’t pack the same
punch given significant advancements in
technology. The level of information the
public has become accustomed to receiving
has also grown significantly. I plan to
update and improve the program to reflect
these issues. The new program will create
new guidelines for financial transparency
and include more interactive tools. I know
this information is especially important
to Texas citizens and Texas businesses so I
am committed to not only continuing the
program, but also improving it.
The Texas housing economy is leading
the nation in the areas of production,
affordability and job creation. What can
the Office of the Comptroller do to ensure
that Texas sustains this status?
As the state’s tax collector, we can ensure
all businesses are treated fairly and given
the tools they need to succeed. Likewise,
With
Comptroller
Glenn Hegar
First and foremost, congratulations on
being Texas’ new Comptroller of Public
Accounts. As a bit of background for
our readers, please explain the role and
responsibilities of the State Comptroller
and the services the agency administers.
Thank you. The Comptroller is the chief
steward of the state’s finances, acting as tax
collector, chief accountant, chief revenue
estimator and chief treasurer for all of
state government. In addition, our office
administers a number of other programs
and services including: state purchasing and
procurement, transparency in government
spending, economic development, college
planning and energy conservation.
You have served in public office since
2002. How has your experience as
a Senator and House member been
influential to you in your new role as
Texas’ Chief Financial Officer?
I have found that my time in the Legislature
has been incredibly beneficial to me in
my new role as Comptroller. I have a
By Glenn Hegar
