Susan Combs, Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Comptroller Introduction (PDF)
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Susan Combs is committed to making state government work better for all Texans.
Bringing a strong fiscal conservative philosophy to the Comptroller’s office — the state’s treasurer, check writer, tax collector and revenue estimator — Combs insists that taxpayer money be spent wisely and that the state’s spending is transparent to citizens and their elected officials.
Since being elected Texas Comptroller in 2006 and re-elected in 2010, Combs has driven sweeping reforms in purchasing and contracting that have saved the state more than $70 million. Under her leadership, the Comptroller’s office has saved nearly $11 million by streamlining its processes and implementing better contracting practices.
Combs is also focused on ensuring the fair collection of taxes and return of unclaimed property. In 2007, a law was passed that expanded the Comptroller’s enforcement capabilities for beer and tobacco sales tax, which has helped the agency identify more than $310 million due to the state. She also established a streamlined process that has returned $770 million of unclaimed property to Texans who rightfully own it.
Through comprehensive reports on important statewide issues such as energy, water, health care and public education, the Comptroller’s office provides insight into long-term solutions for the continued economic vitality of Texas. Combs is deeply concerned about the impact of federal mandates and policy proposals on the state’s future, and has provided in-depth analyses of potential impacts and costs. The Comptroller’s groundbreaking Financial Allocation Study for Texas, updated in 2011, spotlighted cost efficiencies in Texas public schools and examined the relationship between school spending and academic excellence.
As a promoter of Texas business and economic interests, Comptroller Combs spearheaded the recently approved Texas Conservation Plan for the Dunes Sagebrush Lizard, with the help of stakeholders representing landowners, the oil and gas industry, agriculture and state and federal agencies that will help protect the economic strength of Texas oil and gas and other industries.
Committed to further securing the private data for citizens and businesses, Combs was chosen as a member of The University of Texas Center for Identity Board of Advisors in the summer of 2011. The Center for Identity assembles public- and private-sector leaders with an interest in anticipating and combating identity threats.
Before beginning her tenure as Comptroller, Combs was the first woman elected as Texas Agriculture Commissioner. A fourth generation Texan, she was elected to two terms, during which she boosted rural economic development efforts, aggressively promoted made-in-Texas products and championed groundbreaking nutrition policy to combat childhood obesity and ensure Texas students have access to healthy food in public schools.
Prior to serving as Agriculture Commissioner, Combs served in the Texas Legislature where she introduced and passed government accountability reform and protected Texas landowners by authoring the state’s landmark private property rights legislation.
Combs also served as an Assistant District Attorney in Dallas County where she prosecuted juvenile delinquents and handled child abuse cases.