The Texas Senate and House have released their first drafts of the state’s next two-year budget. Use this interactive to explore how state spending has grown since 2004.
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
State Government
Despite Surplus, House and Senate Offer Lean Budgets
Both the House and Senate proposed base budgets Monday that will not restore large cuts made to public education in 2011.
Posted in
Energy
Lawmakers Talk of Bold Measures This Session
Momentum is growing for Texas lawmakers to commit large amounts of money to address the state’s long-term infrastructure needs, particularly water and transportation.
Posted in
State Government
Dewhurst: Set Money Aside for School Lawsuits
In a wide-ranging interview, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst talked about the state budget, education, immigration, water, transportation, and his hopes and plans for the legislative session that began this week.
Posted inState Government
Senate Preserves Two-Thirds Rule
Senators approved a new set of rules for the session on Wednesday that will allow a third of the Senate to continue to have the power to keep bills from coming up for a vote.
Posted in
State Government
Dewhurst Says Senate Will Maintain Two-Thirds Rule
The contentious rule that allows a minority of senators to block legislation is again under fire, but Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst said the two-thirds rule will continue in the Senate for another session.
Posted in
Economy
Combs Says Texas Lawmakers Will Have $101.4 Billion for Budget
A day before the start of the 2013 legislative session, Texas Comptroller Susan Combs delivered much-improved budget news compared with two years ago. Lawmakers will have $101.4 billion for their next two-year budget.
Posted in
Transportation
Panama Canal Expansion Will Be Boon for Texas Exports, Report Says
An upcoming expansion of the Panama Canal will boost Texas exports but not do as much for imports, according to a report commissioned by the Texas Department of Transportation.
Posted in
Energy
Year in Review: Energy, the Environment and Transportation
Drought, oil and gas production, fast lanes and toll lanes made headlines in 2012 in the Tribune. Here’s a look back at the year’s biggest stories on energy and the environment and transportation.
Posted in
Economy
Gains in Texas Budget a Source of Hot Debate
Does Texas need a constitutional cap on spending growth to protect it from the whims of future lawmakers or save it from the current ones? Supporters of the proposal are at odds.
