Past Contributions

• The Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update

  By Ryan Murphy, Aman Batheja and Annie Daniel April 3, 2015

  Use our Local Debt Explorer to find out how much tax-supported debt is held by your city, county and school district. The data is collected by the Texas Bond Review Board and reflects each entity’s debt load as of August 2014. Full Story 

• State Auditor: "Operational Defects" Led to 21CT Deal

  By Terri Langford and Aman Batheja April 2, 2015

  A scathing state investigative report of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's $20 million deal for fraud tracking software has revealed "operational defects" within the agency's procurement process. Full Story 

• After 18-Hour Debate, House Gives Early Approval to Budget

  By Aman Batheja April 1, 2015

  After an overnight debate that veered from polite disagreements to an angry outburst, the Texas House tentatively passed a $210 billion two-year budget early Wednesday morning with a 141 to 5 vote. Full Story 

• School Funding, Incentive Programs Are Hot Topics in House Budget Debate

  By Aman Batheja and Morgan Smith March 31, 2015

  With more than 350 proposed amendments before then, the Texas House is likely to go well into the evening before getting to a final vote on the $210 billion budget. Early discussions addressed school funding and incentives programs. Full Story 

• House Budget Debate to Tackle Hot-Button Issues

  By Aman Batheja March 31, 2015

  Planning to follow the House's budget debate today? Better clear your schedule. The chamber is set to debate 354 amendments, which are likely to stir debate on issues like abortion, border security, school vouchers and more. Full Story 

• FBI at Health Commission Asking About 21CT Deal

  By Terri Langford and Aman Batheja March 27, 2015

  FBI agents have interviewed Texas Health and Human Services Commission employees about the agency's problematic contract with Austin firm 21CT, Executive Commissioner Kyle Janek said Thursday, the first time any official with direct knowledge of the FBI's involvement has confirmed it. Full Story 

• Senate's Property Tax Cut May Stall in House

  By Aman Batheja March 25, 2015

  The Texas Senate's notion of lowering property taxes for homeowners may lose steam when it reaches the House, where leaders appear more inclined to lower state sales taxes and avoid a collision with the spending cap. Full Story 

• $209.8 Billion Budget Plan Headed to House Floor

  By Aman Batheja March 24, 2015

  The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday backed a $209.8 billion two-year budget that would leave $8.4 billion on the table, along with billions more in the state’s savings account. The budget plan now goes to the full House. Full Story 

• Patrick's Tax Cut Package Fuels Debate as Senate Prepares to Vote

  By Aman Batheja March 24, 2015

  The full Senate is set to vote this week on a package of tax cut bills Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has championed, yet the measures have drawn opposition from some big business groups who argue that senators are cutting the wrong taxes. Full Story 

• GOP Lawmakers Call for End to Toll Roads at Capitol Rally

  By Aman Batheja March 23, 2015

  Supporters at a Texas Capitol rally on Monday voiced support for a variety of bills filed aimed at either stopping new toll road projects or undoing the state’s current tolling system entirely. Full Story