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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
Health care
State Auditor: “Operational Defects” Led to 21CT Deal
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.
Posted in
Economy
After 18-Hour Debate, House Gives Early Approval to Budget
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.
Posted in
Politics
School Funding, Incentive Programs Are Hot Topics in House Budget Debate
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.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
House Budget Debate to Tackle Hot-Button Issues
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.
Posted in
Contract High
FBI at Health Commission Asking About 21CT Deal
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.
Posted inState Government
Senate’s Property Tax Cut May Stall in House
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.
Posted in
State Government
$209.8 Billion Budget Plan Headed to House Floor
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.
Posted in
Economy
Patrick’s Tax Cut Package Fuels Debate as Senate Prepares to Vote
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.
Posted in
Transportation
GOP Lawmakers Call for End to Toll Roads at Capitol Rally
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.
