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September
2017 Legislative Wrap-Up
The regular session of the Texas Legislature concluded on May 29, 2017. State policymakers filed and deliberated on thousands of bills. More than 1,200 of them became law, including Senate Bill (SB) 1, the General Appropriations Act, which will fund state government operations for the next two years.
September
The Texas Bullion Depository
Recent changes in political climates and economies, both in the U.S. and abroad, have made many investors uneasy. Some are making investments in precious metals, in the hope that they may retain or increase their value during uncertain times. And Texans who do so are looking for a secure, nearby facility to store these assets.
August
“Local Funds” and State Finances
The Texas Comptroller’s office is responsible for tracking and reporting on every dollar flowing to and through state agencies. Yet some state funds lie largely beyond public scrutiny — those held by state agencies and public colleges and universities in accounts outside the state Treasury, called locally held or “local” funds.
August
The Treasury Operations Division
Money comes in — from state agencies, taxpayers and the public — in the form of fees, services and taxes. And money goes out — for payroll, vendor payments, tax refunds and the state’s investments. Nearly all the state’s money flows through the Texas State Treasury.
June/July
Unclaimed Life Insurance Benefits
Imagine purchasing a life insurance policy to ease the financial burden on your family after your passing, and faithfully paying premiums for years or even decades. But following your death, your beneficiaries never see a dime because they don’t know your policy exists.
June/July
Economic Growth and Endangered Species Management
Lizards and mussels and butterflies … oh my! Texas has a variety of rare plant and animal species.
May
Women-Owned Businesses in Texas: Striving and Thriving in Today’s Economy
Texas appears at or near the top of most “best of” lists for its business friendliness. But it’s also a great location for an increasing number of women-owned enterprises.
May
The Comptroller’s Audit Division: Ensuring Fair Taxation in Texas
The Audit Division works to ensure Texas taxes are administered fairly through audits conducted as efficiently as possible and with the least inconvenience to taxpayers.
April
Will an Expanded Panama Canal Increase Texas Trade? More Shipping May Favor Texas Ports
The completion of the $5.3 billion Panama Canal expansion project in 2016 has increased the canal’s capabilities to handle larger ships — and could open new opportunities for Texas ports.
April
The Criminal Investigation Division: Comptroller Cops Go After Tax Fraud
Texans may hate paying taxes, but we hate it even more when others don’t pay their fair share. CID’s officers conduct sting operations, stakeouts, inspections and make arrests.
Special Edition
Texas State Government and Long-Term Obligations
As the 2017 legislative session crafts the next state budget under tight budgetary constraints, policymakers should remain aware of lingering long-term obligations that could damage the state’s credit rating and limit the amount of revenue available for general spending.
March
Counting the Cost of Texas Health Care: Comptroller Report Examines Vital State Spending
Health care isn’t just a common human need, it’s one of the largest items in the Texas state budget. It presents a significant continuing challenge to lawmakers.
March
Will the U.S. Open Up Trade with Cuba? Warmer Relations Could Boost Texas Exports
The numbers are an exporter’s dream: 11 million consumers in a new, untapped market. So what’s the catch?