Texas’ network of tolled highways stretches for more than 500 miles, but its growth was curtailed this session as lawmakers passed several measures that make it tougher for toll projects to move forward.
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 inState Government
Catch Up on Budget & Tax Issues From This Session
By the end of the 84th legislative session, state lawmakers reached many compromises on the 2016-17 budget and tax cuts. See what lawmakers decided — and how they got there — with our Texas Legislative Guide.
Posted inState Government
Capitol May Finally Get African-American Tribute
After more than 20 years of efforts to place a monument to African-Americans on Capitol grounds “littered” with Confederate tributes, state lawmakers have approved $1.5 million that should bring the African-American Texans memorial monument to fruition.
Posted in
Transportation
Supreme Court: Texas Can Ban Confederate License Plates
In a 5-4 ruling released Thursday morning, the U.S. Supreme Court backed Texas’ decision to forbid specialty license plates sporting an image of the Confederate flag.
Posted in
Economy
Signing Tax Cut Bills, Abbott Predicts “New Era of Job Growth”
Declaring “a new era of job growth in the state of Texas,” Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday signed a $2.56 billion bill cutting the franchise tax rate paid by businesses by 25 percent.
Posted in
State Government
State Budget Includes $500,000 to Subsidize Texas Almanac
Tucked in the $209 billion budget lawmakers passed last month is a budget rider allocating $500,000 for a nonprofit to publish the Texas Almanac, a reference guide that had gotten by for over a century as a for-profit publication.
Posted in
State Government
Deconstructing the Session: A Look at the Leaders
As the Legislature took up the budget and other important issues, the leadership of Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and House Speaker Joe Straus were put to the test multiple times. Listen to our discussion of the three leaders in a special episode of Texas Standard.
Posted inTransportation
Catch Up on Transportation Issues From the Session
While lawmakers reached an agreement to boost transportation funding during the 84th legislative session, other issues stalled. See what happened on all transportation issues from this session using our Texas Legislative Guide.
Posted in
Economy
Abbott Signs Higher Ed Bill Ending Fund Touted by Perry
Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill Thursday that eliminates a controversial startup investment fund long touted by his predecessor, Rick Perry. The legislation directs much of the fund’s money to a new researcher recruitment effort.
Posted in
Transportation
At TxDOT, Concerns About Revolving Door Provision
At the Texas Department of Transportation, employees have expressed concern about the impact of a bill aimed at reducing conflicts of interests in state contracting. Gov. Greg Abbott signaled Tuesday that he intends to sign the bill.
