In a new move to safeguard taxpayer dollars, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick has formally requested an immediate investigation by the Texas Rangers1 into potential fraud and misuse of funds at Texas Southern University (TSU). This call follows a recent update from the Texas State Auditor revealing severe deficiencies in the university’s financial management practices, including unauthorized invoices exceeding $400 million. As taxpayers, we cannot allow our hard-earned dollars to be squandered by our universities. We must demand the highest level of accountability
The request was outlined in a letter dated November 10, 2025, from Lt. Gov. Patrick to Colonel Freeman Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. In the correspondence, Patrick highlighted findings from an audit initiated in May 2025, which identified “significant financial and operational weaknesses related to asset management, procurement, and contracting.” The subsequent audit update confirmed these issues, exposing thousands of invoices for either expired contracts or services received prior to proper requisition dates. Additionally, the auditor noted TSU’s failure to conduct timely asset inventories and to accurately report financial information to the Texas Comptroller.
“Fraud and waste of taxpayer money, especially of this scale, must not be ignored,” Patrick stated in the letter. He emphasized the need for a thorough examination to determine if criminal violations have occurred in connection with the university’s financial operations.
This development aligns with broader efforts to ensure accountability in public institutions. Governor Greg Abbott has also directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to launch an investigation2 into TSU’s finances and urged the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts to conduct a comprehensive review.
Texas Southern University, a public university in Houston, receives substantial state funding to support its educational mission. However, the audit findings raise serious concerns about the stewardship of these resources. Vacancies in critical financial positions at TSU have reportedly contributed to delays in addressing these weaknesses, exacerbating the risk of mismanagement.
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility applauds Lt. Gov. Patrick’s and Gov. Abbott’s actions. We urge swift resolution of this matter to help restore confidence in state-funded higher education and to ensure that no additional resources are allocated until full compliance is achieved.
As the investigation proceeds, further details from the State Auditor’s office and involved agencies will be crucial in determining the extent of any improprieties. Texans deserve assurance that their taxes are used efficiently and ethically, without tolerance for waste or potential criminal activity.
- https://x.com/LtGovTX/status/1987997153327710710/photo/1
- https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-directs-investigations-into-texas-southern-university-finances
- https://www.texastribune.org/2025/11/10/texas-state-university-financial-mismanagement-audit-dan-patrick/
Texans for Fiscal Responsibility relies on the support of private donors across the Lone Star State in order to promote fiscal responsibility and pro-taxpayer government in Texas. Please consider supporting our efforts! Thank you!
Get The Fiscal Note, our free weekly roll-up on all the current events that could impact your wallet. Subscribe today!
