2 Democratic candidates for comptroller want to broaden role

March 03--Two Democrats running for state comptroller say incumbent Glenn Hegar should play a more proactive role in shaping policy.

Attorney Tim Mahoney and entrepreneur Joi Chevalier, both Austin residents, level wide-ranging criticism at Hegar, but leave little to distinguish themselves on policy issues.

Hegar, the state's chief financial officer, doesn't face a GOP primary opponent. Election day is Tuesday.

Chevalier said she was disturbed that the state didn't present a plan for what Texas would have done if Congress earlier this year hadn't reached an agreement on funding for the Children's Health Insurance Program. Also, she said Hegar should have thoroughly studied Medicaid expansion, which Texas has declined.

If elected, Chevalier said she would highlight "real and hidden costs" associated with expanding Medicaid.

Mahoney called for an updated report from the comptroller's office about the economic impact of immigrants living in Texas illegally.

A 2006 study under then-Comptroller Carole Keeton revealed that 1.4 million unauthorized immigrants lived in Texas in 2005. Had they been deported, Texas would have lost more than $17 billion in gross domestic product that year, according to the report.

The two candidates said the office should provide lawmakers with such information before they make decisions that would have dramatic fiscal implications. Hegar doesn't do that, they said.

But Chris Bryan, Hegar's campaign manager, said he regularly shares data with lawmakers.

"Comptroller Hegar will continue to focus on serving Texas taxpayers," Bryan said in a statement. "He will continue to be a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars while providing Texans, their families and their businesses with the best possible government at the lowest possible cost. In his second term, Comptroller Hegar will also continue to provide lawmakers with honest assessments of the Texas economy, accurate revenue projections and responsible, conservative fiscal counsel on policy decisions."

Mahoney said if elected he would study the economic impact of immigration, and the best ways to "empower regional economies" and achieve "a healthier culture" in Texas.

"There's no economic data that is positioned to understand what is actually going on in the state," he said.

Among numerous priorities, Chevalier said she wants to study how the state's revenue system contributes to wealth inequality and property tax burdens, close franchise tax loopholes and analyze the impact school vouchers would have on students, their families and public education overall in Texas.

Chevalier said she also wants to see more data on immigration, along with data on health care and education.

Mahoney and Chevalier distinguish themselves by their experience.

Mahoney said Chevalier has more of a corporate background, while his is in public policy.

Chevalier said she has a clearer vision for the job, bringing corporate and civic leadership skills.

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