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January 2, 2015

Glenn Hegar sworn in as new Texas Comptroller

(AUSTIN) — Glenn Hegar was sworn in today as Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts by Gov.-elect Greg Abbott in a ceremony in the Senate Chamber.

In his inaugural speech, Hegar said he could assure Texans he would do everything in his power to keep the Texas economy on track.

“Texas is a land of economic opportunity with no equal, where private property rights are respected, where people can raise families in safety, and entrepreneurs can pursue their dreams and create jobs,” he said.

Texas Lt. Gov.-elect Dan Patrick, who gave the welcome address during the ceremony, said he looked forward to working with Hegar.

“Texas is lucky to have Glenn as its next Comptroller — he is a man of great integrity who will faithfully serve as the chief financial officer of this state,” Patrick said. “Glenn and I came into the Texas Senate together, and it has been a pleasure working with him for the past 7 years. His fiscal experience and proven leadership will serve the state well.”

"The state of Texas will have a faithful advocate of our growing economy and a watchful steward of Texans’ taxpayer dollars in the Office of the Comptroller with Glenn Hegar," Abbott said. "I look forward to working with Comptroller Hegar to ensure Texas’ continued success in reducing government inefficiencies and a more fiscally responsible future for generations to come."

Of the goals for the agency, Hegar said he will focus on “constitutional functions including tax collection, accounting and providing a clear revenue estimate to legislators.”

Regarding the Comptroller’s role in the continued economic strength of our state, Hegar said he will focus “more than ever on customer service” and will continue to “root out waste, fraud and inefficiency in state government to maximize ‘shareholder value’ for Texas taxpayers.”

He added, “We will never forget that we work for the Texas taxpayers and not the other way around. Our job is to handle the basics then get out of the way.”

He also spoke of his love and gratitude for his family, most notably his wife and three children.

In conclusion, Hegar pledged to work with Abbott and Patrick to “ensure Texas remains an example to the nation and the world of personal freedom, game-changing innovation and unlimited opportunity.”

Hegar, who was the youngest member of the Texas Senate before leaving to become Texas Comptroller, is a sixth generation Texan who farms on land that has been in his family since the mid-1800s.

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