Austin, Texas - During the Texas Independent Producers and Royalty Owners Association’s (TIPRO) 77th Annual Convention in Austin this week, TIPRO proudly recognized Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar as the 2023 TIPRO Hats Off Award honoree for his dedicated support of policies that have protected and promoted the long-term growth of the state economy and fueled prosperity of the Texas oil and gas industry.  

Since first being elected in 2014 as Texas' chief financial officer, Hegar has championed Texas' financial health and ensured a strong economy remains in the Lone Star State. In recent years, as the CFO of the world's ninth-largest economy, the comptroller has wisely controlled the finances of the Texas government and carefully managed the state budget, which today is projected to hold record levels. He has also continuously demonstrated his commitment to defend the energy sector, a leading contributor to the economy -- joined by other state leaders, Comptroller Hegar has defended the industry from hostile attacks pushed by Washington D.C. and challenged federal action threatening the vitality of the state's oil and gas industry. Further, the comptroller has continuously promoted the significant economic stimulus that is generated by oil and gas exploration and production activities, including tax revenue for local and state coffers, job creation and workforce expansion, and other important economic benefits stemming from energy development in the Lone Star State.

Before his election as state comptroller, Hegar was a state lawmaker in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate, where he also worked on policies that covered transportation, tax reform, government transparency, water issues and more. He was chairman of the Texas Sunset Advisory Commission in 2011 and of note, provided recommendations to improve and enhance operations of the Railroad Commission of Texas, which underwent Sunset review during his term as chair. 

"On behalf of TIPRO and its members, the association is pleased to present our 2023 Hats Off Award to Comptroller Hegar for his dedicated work and continued guidance that has kept Texas’ economy strong, even despite challenges that have faced the state including inflationary pressures, the pandemic and stifling regulations promulgated from the federal government,” said Ed Longanecker, president of TIPRO. "Comptroller Hegar has repeatedly shown his leadership for our state, the economy, business development and energy.”

About the TIPRO Hats Off Award:

TIPRO's Hats Off Award is the association's highest accolade that honors leaders who make significant contributions in support of the oil and natural gas industry in Texas. Recipients of the TIPRO Hats Off Award are selected for demonstrating service that has promoted opportunities for independent producers and royalty owners to continue to prosper. Past honorees of the TIPRO Hats Off Award include Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Railroad Commission Chairman Christi Craddick, State Geologist and Bureau of Economic Geology Director Dr. Scott Tinker and other state leaders.

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