A lawsuit between the city of Houston and religious leaders boiled over into a national debate this week about religious liberty and freedom of speech, even as Mayor Annise Parker argued the controversy was based on a misunderstanding.
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
Economy
Enterprise Fund Criticism Overblown, Committee Told
A representative from Gov. Rick Perry’s office praised a critical state audit of the Texas Enterprise Fund at a hearing Wednesday, but warned against lawmakers restricting how the next governor can use the fund to draw business to Texas.
Posted in
State Government
When Firms Missed Job Goals, Perry Repeatedly Relaxed Rules
A state audit found the governor’s office amended Texas Enterprise Fund awards given to private firms 36 times between 2003 and 2013, often in an effort to reduce the penalties the firms had to pay for falling short of job creation goals.
Posted inState Government
Lone Debate in U.S. Senate Race May Only Air in Spanish
The only debate scheduled between Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and his Democratic opponent, David Alameel, could end up only being broadcast in Spanish.
Posted in
Transportation
Animation: What is Proposition 1?
If a statewide proposition on this year’s ballot passes, the Texas Department of Transportation could pull in billions of dollars in additional funding for new highway projects. So what is Proposition 1, and how would it work?
Posted in
Politics
Few Candidate Debates in Statewide Races
Candidates for three of the eight major statewide races on this year’s November ballot appear likely to reach Election Day without ever engaging in a debate with their opponent, according to campaign representatives.
Posted inState Government
Collier and Hegar Agree to Televised Debate
The candidates for comptroller, Democrat Mike Collier and Republican Sen. Glenn Hegar, have agreed to a debate hosted by Time Warner Cable News in Austin.
Posted inState Government
Hegar Reports $389,000 Raised, $1.3 Million On Hand
State Sen. Glenn Hegar will report raising $389,006 between July 1 and Sept. 25, with $1.3 million cash on hand, according to his campaign.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Cruz: Amend U.S. Constitution to Preserve Same-Sex Marriage Bans
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz called Monday for amending the U.S. Constitution to prevent either the federal government or the U.S. Supreme Court from overturning a state’s ban on same-sex marriage.
Posted inState Government
Where $507 Million in Texas Enterprise Fund Awards Went
Gov. Rick Perry’s Texas Enterprise Fund has become the target of harsh criticism since the release of a report by the Texas State Auditor describing the program as weak on oversight. Here’s a look at where the money went and what jobs were created.
