AUSTIN—The Texas Public Policy Foundation yesterday sent recommendations to the Legislative Budget Board for school district efficiency audits and included suggested language for districts to use when reporting to taxpayers.
“The inclusion of efficiency audits in HB 3 was a win for Texas taxpayers, and TPPF is proud to have supported that effort,” said Kevin Roberts, executive director of TPPF. “Our recommendations reflect the intent to ensure districts are spending funds wisely before asking taxpayers for additional dollars. Efficiency audits, if executed faithfully, will create more transparency for Texas taxpayers and promote responsible financial practices at the school district level.”
Efficiency audits are a new requirement as outlined in HB 3 from the 2019 Legislative Session. In addition to other reforms, HB 3 requires districts to conduct and report on efficiency audits before going to voters requesting a higher tax rate. The Legislative Budget Board, which is made up of the Lieutenant Governor, Speaker, and eight other legislators, must now establish rules for the efficiency audit process.
“TPPF gathered input from Texas taxpayers and state and national experts to create our recommendations, and we have submitted these recommendations to LBB staff and appropriate legislators,” said Emily Sass, senior policy analyst at TPPF. “We are grateful for the LBB’s interest and time, and we look forward to participating in the next steps of the implementation process.”