Past Contributions

• Abbott Strikes Accords With Mexico on Transportation, Energy

  By Aman Batheja, Jim Malewitz and Patrick Svitek Sept. 10, 2015

  Also, George P. Bush wields the sword of zero-based budgeting and Glenn Hegar says he's within $200 million on his revenue estimate. Full Story 

• Texas Bullet Train Still Moving Forward But Big Obstacles Linger

  By Aman Batheja Sept. 8, 2015

  The private firm hoping to build a high-speed rail line between Dallas and Houston has been celebrating a summer of successes. But three years after Texas Central Partners first revealed its ambitious venture, challenges remain. Full Story 

• Election, Lawsuit Could Upend Real Estate Sales Price Disclosure Debate

  By Aman Batheja Sept. 1, 2015

  Texas has long been one of a number of states that does not require the disclosure of real estate sales prices. Yet a recent lawsuit and a proposition on the November ballot could pave the way for change, sales price disclosure proponents say. Full Story 

• With Court Case Comes Questions on Commercial Appraisals

  By Aman Batheja, Patrick Svitek and Sophia Bollag Aug. 27, 2015

  Also, the governor says he hasn't talked to the attorney general in weeks. Full Story 

• Hegar Lets Abbott Vetoes Stand, Asks AG to Settle Dispute

  By Aman Batheja Aug. 26, 2015

  Comptroller Glenn Hegar announced Wednesday he will not authorize more than $200 million in funds approved by the Texas Legislature but vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott as he waits for Attorney General Ken Paxton to settle the issue. Full Story 

• Austin Sues Texas Over "Unequal" Property Appraisal System

  By Aman Batheja Aug. 24, 2015

  The city of Austin filed a lawsuit Monday against the state of Texas charging that the current property appraisal system is unconstitutional and creates “an imbalance in the tax burdens between residential and commercial property owners.” Full Story 

• State Disabled Worker Program Faces Overhaul

  By Aman Batheja Aug. 20, 2015

  A controversial program that forces state agencies to spend millions buying goods and services from companies that hire disabled workers while sidestepping competitive bidding rules is about to undergo some big changes. Full Story 

• Emergency Centers to Be Included in "Baby Moses" Law on Sept. 1

  By Aman Batheja Aug. 15, 2015

  A new state law adds freestanding emergency centers to the list of places a person can legally abandon a newborn and avoid prosecution. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story 

• Top Texas GOP Officials Offer Measured Support for Paxton

  By Aman Batheja Aug. 3, 2015

  When Gov. Rick Perry was indicted last year, there was a groundswell of support among Republicans for Perry. The response to Ken Paxton's indictment — particularly among some top state GOP leaders — has been more restrained. Full Story 

• Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers

  By Aman Batheja and Jeremy Lin Aug. 3, 2015

  Fourteen years after lawmakers first tacked on a $200 annual licensing fee for some occupations, the so-called professionals tax will be repealed Sept. 1. This story is part of our 31 Days, 31 Ways series. Full Story