Upgrade of AG's Child Support System Facing Problems

In his first year as the state’s attorney general, Republican Ken Paxton is finding that one of his predecessor’s biggest projects is turning into one of his biggest headaches.

Paxton’s office is in the midst of discussions with its lead contractor over a six-year-old project to upgrade the technology for the state’s antiquated child support enforcement system. The AG’s office hopes to restructure the project, which is years behind schedule and has seen its price tag grow by more than $70 million.

“Deadlines and milestones are worthless if the end product doesn’t do the job you need it to do,” First Assistant Attorney General Chip Roy said. “Our main focus is on getting a quality system for Texas families and taxpayers.”

More than half of the attorney general’s budget goes to child support enforcement. For years, the agency has prided itself on being the national leader in child support collections.

Read more: http://www.texastribune.org/2015/07/16/upgrade-child-support-system-plagued-problems/