Past Contributions

• In East Texas, skepticism over private school tuition assistance persists despite push from conservative leaders

  By Pooja Salhotra April 7, 2023

  Gov. Greg Abbott and other conservatives say families need options to escape “woke” education in public schools. East Texas parents and school leaders say the national talking points are off base. Full Story 

• Texas Senate moves to set aside billions for future water needs

  By Erin Douglas and Pooja Salhotra April 3, 2023

  The Senate on Monday passed a bill that would create a new state fund tailored for large or long-shot water supply projects, including marine desalination. The bill will advance to the House. Full Story 

• With billions of dollars on the line, East Texans say a crucial state map incorrectly shows they already have broadband

  By Pooja Salhotra March 29, 2023

  East Texans worry they could miss out on federal dollars because a state map that will help determine where the money goes shows they already have access to broadband. Residents say their broadband is chronically unreliable. Full Story 

• Bill that would give parents state funds to pay for private schools moves to the full Senate for a vote

  By Pooja Salhotra March 28, 2023

  Education savings accounts, which are similar to vouchers, are a priority of Gov. Greg Abbott this session. Texas senators also advanced a bill that would give raises and other benefits to teachers. Full Story 

• Texas Senate takes first step toward establishing billions for state’s water supply, infrastructure

  By Pooja Salhotra March 20, 2023

  Voters would have the final say on whether the state sets aside billions of dollars to acquire new water sources and invest in aging infrastructure. Full Story 

• Texas Senate passes bill to make illegal voting a felony again

  By Pooja Salhotra, The Texas Tribune, and Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas Tribune Updated: March 14, 2023

  The priority bill, backed by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, reverses a change the Legislature made two years ago during an omnibus voting bill that made illegal voting a misdemeanor. Full Story 

• Black and Hispanic Texans say they don’t trust the quality of their water

  By Jayme Lozano Carver and Pooja Salhotra Feb. 16, 2023

  A survey was commissioned by the nonprofit organization Texas Water Trade and included responses from households in both rural border communities and in urban areas across Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth. Full Story 

• As Texas booms, local governments — especially in small towns — struggle to find workers

  By Pooja Salhotra Feb. 14, 2023

  A cascade of issues including inflation and growing distrust in government aren’t helping local governments hire for critical positions in public safety and utilities. Full Story 

• Rural Central Texas’ plentiful trees make power outages a frustrating fact of life after storms

  By Pooja Salhotra Feb. 8, 2023

  Leon County’s judge wants the state to help clear trees around power lines after residents again go without electricity following another storm. Full Story 

• Texas cities debate costly infrastructure investments in age of extreme weather

  By Pooja Salhotra, Joshua Fechter, Erin Douglas, Jayme Lozano Carver and Emily Foxhall Feb. 3, 2023

  Experts say local governments should prioritize extreme weather preparedness. Cost can be a deterring factor. Full Story