Qualifications: What training, experience and characteristics qualify you for this position?
RAINY DAY FUND: How do you think Texas should use its Rainy Day Fund?
EDUCATIONAL SAVINGS ACCOUNTS (ESAS): What oversight measures will you support to ensure that ESAs are funded and administered transparently?
BUDGET MANAGEMENT: How will you ensure budget transparency so taxpayers can easily see how their money is allocated and spent?
PRIORITIES: What do you see as your greatest challenge as Comptroller over the next four years, and how will you address it?
Michael Berlanga
I am the only certified public accountant on the ballot and would make Texas history as such if elected. In addition, I am also licensed as a senior property tax consultant and real estate broker.
The Texas Rainy Day Fund should be used for one-time emergencies, like natural disasters or sudden revenue drops, to prevent service cuts, fund major one-time projects (water, education), and stabilize the budget during downturns. It should not be used for chronic underfunding or ongoing programs. I understand prioritizing prudence while allowing investment for growth while funding efficiently.
As a CPA I am uniquely trained and committed to ensure transparency and accountability, Annual audits, programmatic reporting, defined qualifying expenses, account suspension/fund recovery procedures, digital wallet technology are legislated measures that will only safeguard taxpayer dollars ensuring that funds are used strictly for their intended purposes when quality oversight is my authority.
Implementing user-friendly online tools like "Where the Money Goes," data charts, graphs on spending by agency/category, citizen-centric reports, and the Transparency Stars program for local governments, designed to make complex state finances accessible and understandable for taxpayers. Simplifying state finances, foster greater trust and more participation in fiscal oversight unlike before.
Achieving the Governor's goal of eliminating school property tax 3 years & 10 sessions ago. My God given talents to calculate and communicate will influence the Legislature to do what Texas has ever done before. The Constitutional Duty of the Legislature is to fund education efficiently. My priority will make property more affordable for every Texan and achieve universal choice truly universal
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