Texas lawmakers consider different approaches to transforming the state’s unwieldy, loophole-ridden system of contract oversight into something that can be properly tracked, analyzed and, when needed, restrained.
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
Politics
Mechler Picked as New Texas GOP Chair
State Republican leaders selected Texas Republican Party treasurer Tom Mechler as the party’s new chairman Saturday, replacing Steve Munisteri, who is leaving to join U.S. Sen. Rand Paul’s likely 2016 presidential campaign.
Posted in
Economy
Paddie’s Lyft-for-Hire Bill Runs Uber Cities
With various Texas cities imposing different rules on vehicle-for-hire apps Uber and Lyft, state Rep. Chris Paddie, R-Marshall, is pushing a bill to let the state take over regulation of the services.
Posted inState Government
Differing Views on Display at Senate Tax Relief Week
Some think the promised tax relief is too much, too soon while others think it tackles the wrong priority.
Posted in
Economy
Rising Local Debt Draws Attention of Legislature
State coffers are flush with cash, but local governments are continuing to borrow heavily to provide services. State legislators have filed more than a dozen bills aimed at how cities, counties and school districts can borrow money.
Posted in
Economy
Senate Tax Cut Plan Draws Several Critics at Hearing
There’s a lot of ways you can spend $4.6 billion in tax cuts, and the Senate Finance Committee learned Wednesday that a wide range of special interest groups think the current proposal could use some work.
Posted in
State Government
Patrick: Exempt Tax Cuts, Debt Payments From Spending Cap
Senate leaders joined Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick to announce a plan to allow lawmakers to cut property taxes and pay down the state’s debt without busting the state’s politically charged spending cap.
Posted in
Economy
Senators Show Interest in Ditching Margins Tax
As a key Senate committee prepares to hear public testimony on tax cut proposals Wednesday, senators expressed strong interest in repealing the state’s unpopular margins tax on businesses, which has raised $4.7 billion annually.
Posted inState Government
A Texas-Sourced Push to Reauthorize Ex-Im Bank
Also, a roundup of notable legislative filing activity, and it was Blue Bell day at the Capitol.
Posted in
Transportation
Lawmaker’s Bill a Silver Bullet to Stop Train
A bill filed by state Rep. Will Metcalf, R-Conroe, Wednesday would require the governing body of every city and county along the route to approve a planned high-speed rail project. There’s very little chance that would happen.
