News Summary
Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has appointed former state senator Kelly Hancock as his new Chief Clerk, effective immediately. This change comes as Hegar prepares to transition to Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. Hancock will oversee the implementation of the new school choice program and tackle ongoing economic challenges, particularly in housing affordability. His past experience as a school board member positions him well for these crucial responsibilities. As he assumes his role, Hancock is also eyeing a bid for the Texas GOP nomination for comptroller in 2026.
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar has appointed former state senator Kelly Hancock as his new Chief Clerk, effective Thursday. This comes as Hegar prepares to leave his role to become Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System at the end of June. Hancock will also take on the responsibilities of acting comptroller starting July 1.
In making the appointment, Hegar emphasized the importance of selecting someone he trusts to carry out the duties for the remainder of his term. Hancock’s new role entails managing fiscal responsibilities that extend beyond simply balancing the state’s finances. Among his top priorities is overseeing the implementation of the recently signed Senate Bill 2, which establishes a school choice program allowing parents to allocate public funds for private education options.
Following the passing of SB 2, Hancock will be tasked with setting up the rules and procedures for the distribution of education savings accounts. Drawing from his extensive experience as a school board member over the past 13 years, he highlighted his commitment to ensuring an accurate and efficient rollout of this initiative. The comptroller’s office will also collaborate with the newly established Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office to streamline regulations, improving overall government efficiency and potentially saving money for Texas residents.
In addition to his immediate responsibilities, Hancock has expressed plans to run for the Texas GOP nomination for comptroller when the position opens for election in 2026. This ambition indicates an ongoing commitment to public service and fiscal leadership in Texas.
Meanwhile, economic updates from the state’s comptroller’s office show significant financial activity. In April 2025, state sales tax revenue reached $4.24 billion, marking a 7.1% increase in comparison to April 2024. Sales tax remains the largest funding source for the state budget, reflecting robust consumer activity in the state.
However, challenges persist in other areas, particularly concerning a housing affordability crisis in Texas. A report from Hegar noted a troubling 40% increase in median home prices from 2019 to 2023, compounded by rising mortgage rates and a shortage of over 306,000 homes across the state. These factors are creating significant barriers to housing access, impacting not just homeowners but also the job market and wage growth.
There is a growing consensus among lawmakers and stakeholders that easing local regulations could be instrumental in addressing the housing crisis by increasing supply in response to existing demand. Hegar has urged state legislators to enact measures simplifying permitting and construction rules, which would empower property owners and potentially alleviate some pressures in the housing market. Current proposals are underway to remove obstacles for first-time homebuyers and streamline the permitting process.
As Hancock steps into his new duties as Chief Clerk and acting comptroller, he faces the dual challenge of implementing the recently approved school choice program while navigating pressing economic issues, particularly housing affordability. The initiatives and responses from his office will likely shape the fiscal landscape of Texas in the coming months.
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Additional Resources
- Fox 7 Austin: Kelly Hancock Chief Clerk Appointment
- Wikipedia: Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- KXAN: Texas Comptroller on International Trade Impact
- Google Search: Texas Comptroller Hegar Economic Impact
- Statesman: Housing Affordability Concerns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Economics
- News Channel 6: Texas Sales Tax Revenue Update
- Google News: Texas Sales Tax Revenue
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