Woolf
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What Does the Controller Do?
The Idaho State Controller is the state’s chief financial officer — the watchdog for taxpayer dollars.
The office is responsible for:
- Paying the bills: Processing payments on behalf of every state agency.
- Managing payroll: Ensuring more than 37,000 state employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Tracking spending: Accounting for every dollar spent and making financial data from more than 1,300 Idaho local governments public through Transparent Idaho.
- Overseeing resources: Serving on the State Land Board to manage endowment lands that fund Idaho schools.
In short, the Controller makes sure government is accountable, efficient, and transparent — so taxpayers always know where their money goes.
FAQ
Answers to common questions about the role and responsibilities of Idaho’s State Controller.
Why does Idaho need a State Controller?
The Controller is the state’s chief financial officer — the defender of fiscal responsibility. Without the Controller, there would be no independent officer dedicated solely to keeping Idaho’s finances honest and transparent.
What is the Controller’s role in government spending?
The Controller processes payments for every state agency and ensures Idaho’s budget is balanced and accurate. That means no spending slips through the cracks.
What sets Brandon Woolf apart as Controller?
With deep Idaho roots and over a decade of proven leadership, Brandon has modernized state finances, expanded transparency, and consistently upheld conservative values of limited government and fiscal discipline.
How can citizens hold the Controller’s office accountable?
Through transparency. Brandon Woolf created Transparent Idaho so every citizen can see exactly where their money goes. He also launched TownHall Idaho so Idahoans can follow state meetings and decisions in real time.
How does the Controller impact everyday Idahoans?
If you’ve received a tax refund, tracked school funding, or checked a state budget online, you’ve been touched by the Controller’s work. Brandon’s job is to keep government running efficiently so Idahoans, schools, and businesses get the services they need without waste.