Citing a lack of public funding, the Texas Transportation Commission voted Thursday to agree to consider changing its rules to allow it to share financial risk with the private sector on some toll projects.
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
Transportation
To Finance State Roads, Legislature Backed More Tolls, Debt Over Cash
While lawmakers came up short on funding for road construction and maintenance this session, several other bills made it to Gov. Rick Perry’s desk that are expected to help Texas communities develop road projects.
Posted in
Economy
Senators Hope to Revive Plan to Fund Roads
A plan to fund Texas highway construction by diverting half of the money that currently feeds the state’s Rainy Day Fund could find new life in a special session.
Posted in
Economy
This Session, Lawmakers Put Down Their Swords
If Texas’ less-than-theatrical 83rd legislative session is remembered at all, it will be known for accords, not discord. Here’s a look at top storylines from this session and what they could portend for the future.
Posted in
Transportation
House Rejected Late Senate Proposal for Roads Money
In the final days of the session, Senate budget leaders came up with an ambitious proposal to find more money for road construction and maintenance. House leaders made it clear they weren’t interested.
Posted inState Government
New Twist in Budget Agreement Would End System Benefit Fund
A fee paid by millions of Texans and businesses on their electric bills would be abolished in September under a deal made Friday, the Senate’s budget writer said. The fee goes to a fund that helps low-income Texans with their utility bills.
Posted inState Government
Perry Says He Opposes Part of Budget Deal
With three days before the end of the legislative session, Gov. Rick Perry has revealed his opposition to one portion of a bill considered critical to a budget deal forged between the House and Senate.
Posted inState Government
Interactive: How the Next Budget Continues Growth in State Spending
Texas lawmakers are poised to pass a two-year state budget that is $7 billion higher than the current one. Use this interactive to explore how state spending has grown since 2004.
Posted in
Economy
Lack of Texas Income Tax Draws Out-of-State Envy
A growing number of Republicans across the country are working to repeal their states’ income tax, using Texas’ economic success to make their case. Inside Texas, however, the state’s tax system is not universally beloved.
Posted in
Economy
Budget Agreement Leaves About $8 Billion in Fund
The budget deal that took a step closer to passage Wednesday evening would spend $3.9 billion from the state’s Rainy Day Fund. That would leave more in the fund than many lawmakers or Gov. Rick Perry had earlier proposed.