Texas Comptroller Don Huffines announced a comprehensive performance review of the comptroller’s office aimed at identifying inefficiencies and finding savings for taxpayers, according to an Aug. 4 news release from the agency.
The internal review will assess all aspects of agency operations, including business processes, vendor contracts, and administrative structure, measured against private-sector best practices, the release said.
“The people of Texas demand efficiency from their government,” Huffines said in the release. “Every state and local official should be working toward continuous improvement to determine if savings and operational improvements can be identified.”
The announcement comes days after Huffines was sworn in as comptroller on Saturday. His first official act was to refuse a state salary, saying, “I didn’t come here for a paycheck; I’m here because I love Texas and I work for the people, not the government,” according to the release.
Huffines noted that the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the House have directed state agencies to reduce spending by 3 percent. “This review will help ensure we are leading the way to comply with their directive and demonstrate transparency and accountability to the people of Texas,” he said, adding that as the state’s chief financial officer, it is his obligation to ensure taxpayers have “a strong advocate and an alert watchdog” looking out for their interests.
The Comptroller of Public Accounts serves as the chief financial officer for the state of Texas and manages more than $150 billion in state assets, the agency said.