Also, George P. Bush wields the sword of zero-based budgeting and Glenn Hegar says he’s within $200 million on his revenue estimate.
Aman Batheja
Aman Batheja was a political reporter and editor for the Tribune from 2012 to 2019. Previously he worked for eight years at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, most of that time covering state and local politics. A native of Cedarhurst, New York, he has an undergraduate degree in journalism and psychology from New York University and a master's in economics from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Posted in
Transportation
Texas Bullet Train Still Moving Forward But Big Obstacles Linger
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.
Posted inState Government
Election, Lawsuit Could Upend Real Estate Sales Price Disclosure Debate
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.
Posted inState Government
With Court Case Comes Questions on Commercial Appraisals
Also, the governor says he hasn’t talked to the attorney general in weeks.
Posted in
State Government
Hegar Lets Abbott Vetoes Stand, Asks AG to Settle Dispute
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.
Posted in
Economy
Austin Sues Texas Over “Unequal” Property Appraisal System
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.”
Posted inState Government
State Disabled Worker Program Faces Overhaul
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.
Posted in
31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Emergency Centers to Be Included in “Baby Moses” Law on Sept. 1
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.
Posted in
Politics
Top Texas GOP Officials Offer Measured Support for Paxton
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.
Posted in
31 Days, 31 Ways (2015)
Lawmakers Ditch $200 Fee for Lawyers, Doctors, Brokers
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.
