Broadband is Priority, Says New Head of TX Comptroller’s Office

Texas Senator Kelly Hancock, a Republican lawmaker with ties to broadband expansion policy, resigned from the Legislature to lead the Comptroller’s Office, just as the state prepares to distribute billions in federal and state broadband funds. Hancock was sworn in last Thursday at the Comptroller’s Office in Austin, and will officially assume his new role on July 1.

Hancock replaces outgoing Comptroller Glenn Hegar, who is leaving the post to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System. He clashed with NTIA and floated returning $1B in broadband funds, according to Broadband Breakfast.

Hancock previously represented parts of Fort Worth and Arlington in the Texas Senate. Hancock said in a statement he would continue the office’s work “safeguarding tax dollars, ensuring transparency,” and implementing “forward-thinking initiatives like education savings accounts and broadband expansion.”