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Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts

Comptroller of Public Accounts: Four-year term. The comptroller is the chief financial officer of the state; collects state taxes and fees; pays the state's bills; provides revenue estimates to the legislature; certifies the budget; reports the condition of the state’s finances; and provides economic development assistance to local governments and private businesses. Current annual salary: $153,750

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  • Candidate picture

    Michael Berlanga
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Christi Craddick
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Kelly Hancock
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Don Huffines
    (Rep)

Biographical Information

Qualifications: What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?

Rainy Day Fund: How do you think Texas should use its Rainy Day Fund?

Educational Savings Accounts (ESAs): What oversight measures will you support to ensure that ESAs are funded and administered transparently?

Budget Management: How will you ensure budget transparency so taxpayers can easily see how their money is allocated and spent?

Priorities: What do you see as your greatest challenge as Comptroller over the next four years, and how will you address it?

Campaign Website http://MIKE@ASKTVT.COM
I AM THE ONLY CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT ON THE BALLOT AND WOULD MAKE TEXAS HISTORY AS SUCH IF ELECTED. IN ADDITION, I AM ALSO LICENSED AS A SENIOR PROPERTY TAX CONSULTANT AND REAL ESTATE BROKER.
The Texas Rainy Day Fund should be used for one-time emergencies, like natural disasters or sudden revenue drops, to prevent service cuts, fund major one-time projects (water, education), and stabilize the budget during downturns. It should not be used for chronic underfunding or ongoing programs. I understand prioritizing prudence while allowing investment for growth while funding efficiently.
As a CPA I am uniquely trained and committed to ensure transparency and accountability , Annual audits, programmatic reporting, defined qualifying expenses, account suspension/fund recovery procedures, digital wallet technology are legislated measures that will only safeguard taxpayer dollars ensuring that funds are used strictly for their intended purposes when quality oversight is my authority.
Implementing user-friendly online tools like "Where the Money Goes," data charts, graphs on spending by agency/category, citizen-centric reports, and the Transparency Stars program for local governments, designed to make complex state finances accessible and understandable for taxpayers. Simplifying state finances, foster greater trust and more participation in fiscal oversight unlike before.
Achieving the Governor's goal of eliminating SCHOOL PROPERTY TAX 3 YEARS & 10 SESSIONS AGO. My God given talents to calculate and communicate will influence the Legislature to do what Texas has ever done before. The Constitutional Duty of the Legislature is to fund education efficiently. My priority will make property more affordable for every Texan and achieve UNIVERSAL CHOICE truly UNIVERSAL
Having served and managed a large state agency as Commissioner of the Railroad Commission since 2012; Bachelor's Degree as Plan II graduate and a Doctorate of Jurisprudence from UT Austin.
The Comptroller doesn't pass laws, but plays a key role in how we budget. Priorities change all the time. I would partner with legislators to protect conservative priorities, ensure accurate revenue forecasts, and keep Texas a low-tax, pro-growth state.
Real-time auditing and verification systems to prevent misuse or double-billing; Vendor and provider audits to confirm compliance and quality in approved services; Public transparency dashboards so taxpayers can see exactly how ESA dollars are being spent; Close coordination with the TEA and the Legislature; Swift penalties and clawbacks for any individual or vendor found abusing the program.
Audit everything, launch a local government efficiency task force, and upgrade outdated technology. Texas taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going. I will launch a top-to-bottom audit to ensure every dollar is tracked, every program is reviewed, and no waste goes unchecked. From city budgets to special districts, there should be reviews of local budgets to help communities cut waste
Ensuring that the office is responsive to taxpayers. At the Railroad Commission I led efforts to cut permitting delays from months to 48 hours. I'll bring that same approach to the Comptroller's Office to bring faster refunds for Texas businesses. When small businesses overpay their taxes, they shouldn't have to wait months to get their money back.
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Campaign Website http://donhuffines.com
I exposed a multi-million-dollar corruption scandal that sent six to prison and saved taxpayers millions. As senator, I refused salary and perks. As Comptroller, I’ll audit spending and fight fraud.
The Rainy Day Fund belongs to taxpayers, not the government. I’ll examine how the ESF is invested to maximize benefits for its rightful owners, Texas taxpayers. It should be reserved for true emergencies so Texas can pay its bills on time. As a lifelong businessman, fiscal discipline matters to me, and I earned a 99% scorecard as a Texas Senator from Texans for Fiscal Responsibility.
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We need a budget that’s simple, transparent, and easy to understand, not just for the Legislature, but for every Texas taxpayer. Too many in government forget whose money they spend. Every dollar belongs to taxpayers, not government. The Comptroller must do more than track revenue, it must ensure dollars are spent wisely, efficiently, and transparently.
The greatest challenge is ending the culture where bureaucrats treat taxpayer money like it’s theirs. As Comptroller, I’ll make the office a watchdog: audit government, expose fraud, waste, and corruption, and work with law enforcement to put thieves in jail. Then I’ll fight to return the savings to Texans.