AUSTIN, Texas – Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrows today issued a statement praising the House Select Committee on Governmental Oversight for a productive hearing examining local prosecutorial integrity and ensuring the responsible use of taxpayer funds at the local level.

“When I created the House Select Committee on Governmental Oversight this spring, I charged it with strengthening transparency and accountability in local government, protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring prosecutors are doing their job to keep dangerous criminals off our streets,” said Speaker Burrows. “Today’s public hearing examined serious concerns about local officials spending taxpayer dollars with insufficient oversight, including contracts with NGOs and third- party consultants that lack clear performance measures and accountability. The committee also exposed how rogue prosecutors are influenced by politically aligned organizations that oppose the rule of law and push soft-on-crime policies, compromising the safety of Texans.

“This hearing laid important groundwork for the Texas House to act next session. We must ensure Texans’ taxpayer dollars are spent transparently and responsibly, and that local prosecutors answer for decisions with profound public safety implications. When witnesses like District Attorney José Garza fail to attend and answer questions on public safety in their county, it is evident the work of this committee is just getting started. I want to thank Chairman Cody Vasut, the committee members, and stakeholder partners, and crime victims and families who testified today for their work to strengthen accountability, safeguard taxpayer funds, and keep Texas and affordable.”

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