Leander and other fast-growing school districts have relied heavily on a controversial financing tool called capital appreciation bonds to borrow money to expand even as they bump up against state limits on school district debt.
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
Bypassed by the Miracle
Critics Say Bond Elections Lack True Transparency
Texas voters approve billions of dollars in new local debt each year. A growing group of critics argues that voters wouldn’t be so agreeable if they were more clearly informed of the debt that’s already owed in their name.
Posted in
Politics
Secretive Group Launches Pro-Perry Site
A secretive nonprofit, which until recently has been known solely for its efforts to unseat New York Democrats, has launched an online campaign in support of Gov. Rick Perry in light of his recent legal troubles.
Posted in
Bypassed by the Miracle
Local Debt Explorer
Texas counties, cities and school districts have more than $100 billion in debt that’s backed by a pledge of local property taxes. Use our Local Debt Explorer to find out how much tax-supported debt is held in your community.
Posted in
Bypassed by the Miracle
Local Debt Climbs as Cities Deal With Growth
Texas cities, counties and school districts are relying more on debt to maintain services in a fast-growing state. While critics argue communities need to work harder to live within their means, local officials say the issue is not that simple.
Posted inState Government
Perry’s Court Signature Differs From Official One
Gov. Rick Perry’s unusual signature — long a source of fascination — looks strikingly different in the legal documents he had to sign related to his recent indictment.
Posted in
Economy
Abbott’s Business Tax Remarks Spark Confusion
Attorney General Greg Abbott spoke this month at a conservative conference about how Texas could attract more jobs if it didn’t have a business franchise tax. But Abbott isn’t proposing a repeal of the tax, according to his campaign.
Posted in
Politics
For Group That Filed Initial Perry Complaint, This is Familiar Territory
Texans for Public Justice, the liberal-leaning group that filed the complaint that led to Gov. Rick Perry’s indictment last week, has a history of messing with Texas politicians.
Posted in
Transportation
The Bullet Train That Could Change Everything
In Texas, a new model for high-speed rail is hurtling forward. If successful, it could mark a turning point for the development of public transportation around the country.
Posted in
Politics
Even Before Indictment, Perry Had Faced Gap With Cruz in 2016 Talk
Even before his recent legal troubles, Gov. Rick Perry was operating in U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz’s shadow, in the eyes of many conservatives, as the two Texans explored bids for the White House. That was apparent in their receptions at a recent conservative conference.
