Combs Unwilling to Update 2006 Immigration Study
Washington, D.C: Congressman Pete Gallego (TX-23) has received official notice (attached) from Comptroller Susan Combs stating that she will not update a 2006 study on the financial impact of unauthorized immigrants in Texas. Congressman Gallego had asked Combs to update a December 2006 analysis conducted by then Comptroller Strayhorn which concluded “[t]he absence of the estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants in Texas in fiscal 2005 would have been a loss to our gross state product of $17.7 billion.”
“I’m disappointed that Comptroller Combs is, at this crucial time, unwilling to update a study previously done by the office,” said Congressman Gallego.
Estimating state revenues and potential revenue streams is one of the core missions of the office of the Comptroller. The potential revenue available to Texas depending on the outcome of immigration reform is hugely significant – possibly more than any other state. There are billions of dollars at stake.
Knowing the economic impact of unauthorized immigrants in Texas is vital to the debate. Good information is central to the crafting of good public policy.
I appreciate that Comptroller Combs has pointed to a study showing that immigration reform will lead to decreased deficits and increased productivity, investment, and employment. However, this data is not Texas-specific.
Because of the Comptroller’s refusal to provide an updated analysis, the 38 members of the Texas congressional delegation now must rely on the findings of outside groups.”
The request by Gallego was made on June 11, 2013. Because of security screenings, Combs’ response was not received by Gallego’s office until the evening of Friday July 12, 2013.
Comptroller Comb’s response is attached for your reference.
You can also read the initial request made by Gallego below.
June 11, 2013
The Honorable Susan Combs
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
P.O. Box 13528, Capitol Station
Austin, Texas 78711-3528
Dear Comptroller Combs:
In December 2006, then Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn conducted an analysis to study the financial impact of unauthorized immigrants on the Texas budget. It marked the first time any state had executed such a comprehensive analysis. The study found that “[t]he absence of the estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants in Texas in fiscal 2005 would have been a loss to our gross state product of $17.7 billion.”
A more recent study from the Immigration Policy Center noted, “[i]f all unauthorized immigrants were removed from Texas, the state would lose $69.3 billion in economic activity, $30.8 billion in gross state product, and approximately 403,174 jobs, even accounting for adequate market adjustment time.”
With immigration reform currently being deliberated in the U.S. Congress, I respectfully request that your office update the 2006 report by the Texas Comptroller. For the sake of consistency, I ask that you apply the same methodology used for the 2006 study and simply update the numbers. Your report would be vital to the 38 members of Congress from Texas, and to other elected officials and decision makers as they grapple with immigration reform. The study might also assist in shaping legislation related to immigration at the state and local levels.
As public servants, the weight of our words is heavier. The passage or failure of immigration reform will profoundly affect Texas. An updated study from the Texas Comptroller’s office would shed light on the true impact to our state by unauthorized immigrants. Your findings and conclusions could also prove invaluable during deliberation on the various proposals being considered by Congress. It would be unfortunate for groundless statements presented as facts to go unchallenged.
I am confident that this study will help Texans make decisions that help Texas.
Sincerely,
Pete. P. Gallego
Member of Congress (TX-23)
