Texas' leadership over the state's finances is changing hands as the rollout of the new Texas Education Freedom Account (TEFA) program moves into its next phase.
Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced his resignation on July 1, marking the same day the first TEFA funds began reaching participating families. Hours later, Gov. Greg Abbott appointed former state Sen. Don Huffines to serve as comptroller for the remainder of the year.
The transition comes just weeks after Hancock temporarily assumed leadership of the agency following former Comptroller Glenn Hegar's departure to become chancellor of the Texas A&M University System.
Hancock Oversaw TEFA Launch
Hancock joined the comptroller's office in June after resigning from the Texas Senate, a move designed to avoid a constitutional issue stemming from a 2002 attorney general opinion that prevents a sitting state senator from being confirmed to a state office during the term for which they were elected.
During his brief tenure as acting comptroller, Hancock supervised the implementation of the Texas Education Freedom Account program, created through Senate Bill 2 during the 89th Texas Legislature.
The education savings account program provides state funding that families can use for approved educational expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling materials, tutoring, educational therapies, and other qualifying costs. Eligible students can receive approximately $10,500 annually, while students with disabilities may qualify for up to $30,000. Homeschooled students are eligible for $2,000.
In his resignation letter to Abbott, Hancock highlighted the rapid rollout of the program.
"When you asked me to help steer the agency through the TEFA rollout, we knew the timeline would demand urgency and precision."
He added that the implementation had exceeded expectations.
"The program is running remarkably smoothly for a new initiative of this size."
Hancock credited the program's early success to Abbott's leadership, legislative action, participating families, and the comptroller's staff and partner organizations that worked to launch the initiative on an accelerated schedule.
Strong Demand for School Choice Program
Interest in the new education savings account program has significantly outpaced available funding.
According to the comptroller's office, more than 274,000 families submitted applications for TEFA. Currently, approximately 107,000 students have active awards, with additional applicants continuing to be moved from the waitlist as funding becomes available.
Recipients will receive their funding in phases throughout July, followed by additional disbursements in October and February.
In his resignation letter, Hancock expressed confidence that the agency would continue operating smoothly during the leadership transition.
"I am confident agency leadership will continue serving Texans effectively and maintain continuity for the work already underway, and that the next Texas Comptroller and my former Senate colleague, Don Huffines, will build on that work."
Abbott Selects Huffines as Comptroller
On Thursday, Abbott officially appointed Huffines to serve as Texas comptroller through the end of the year.
Huffines previously defeated Hancock in the Republican primary for the office in March and is now running for a full term. He will face Sarah Eckhardt, a Democrat from Austin, in the November general election.
Announcing the appointment, Abbott praised Huffines' background in business and fiscal conservatism.
"Don Huffines brings the right mix of business experience and conservative principles to this vital office."
Abbott added that Huffines' private-sector experience and commitment to limited government make him well suited to oversee Texas' finances while protecting taxpayer dollars with integrity and accountability.
Huffines Looks Ahead to Expanding TEFA
Following his appointment, Huffines said he is eager to continue administering the education savings account program, arguing that the overwhelming number of applications demonstrates significant parent demand for alternatives to traditional public schools.
He said the comptroller's office will play an important role in ensuring Texans are aware of the program.
"I'm in charge of the marketing as comptroller."
Huffines said he wants an organized system that ensures every eligible parent is informed that education funding is available for their child through the TEFA program.
