Full video of Aman Batheja’s 4/4 TribLive conversation with state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman.
Transportation
Reporting on roads, transit, infrastructure, and policy shaping travel and mobility across the state, from The Texas Tribune.
TribLive: Nichols and Phillips on the Vehicle Sales Tax
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, talked about a proposal to use vehicle sales tax revenue to meet our transportation funding needs.
TribLive: Nichols and Phillips on Toll Roads
At Thursday’s TribLive conversation, state Sen. Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, and state Rep. Larry Phillips, R-Sherman, talked about whether Texans are having โtoll road fatigueโ and the impact that toll roads are having on traffic congestion.
Citing Sequester, Perry Taps TxDOT Cash for Airports
Gov. Rick Perry and the Texas Department of Transportation are arranging to temporarily fund air traffic control towers slated to close next month at 13 Texas airports due to federal budget cuts related to the sequester.
Speed Incentives, Toll Lanes Get Senate Attention
The Senate Transportation Committee heard testimony Wednesday on two bills addressing criticisms stemming from the proliferation of toll roads and toll lane projects around the state.
GOP Senator Challenging His Party on Debt, Taxes
State Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, is engaged in a long-term campaign to convince his fellow legislators that the state’s bond debt is an urgent problem and that tax increases are part of a conservative solution.
Lawmakers Back New Mechanism to Fund Port Improvements
Republicans and Democrats from Texasโ congressional delegation have come together to file legislation that would allow for public-private partnerships to fund port infrastructure improvements and staff increases.
Texas Lawmaker Files Bill to Regulate Self-Driving Cars
Under a bill filed by state Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, R-Southlake, self-driving cars like the one Google drove around Texas last month would have to have a licensed driver behind the wheel and meet minimum insurance requirements.
Republican Senator Proposes Tax Hike for Transportation
State Sen. Kevin Eltife, R-Tyler, wants Texas voters to approve a constitutional amendment to temporarily increase the state sales tax to pay off the Texas Department of Transportation’s debt.
In Hunt for Roads Funds, Texas Won’t Model Va.
Texas lawmakers hope to follow in Virginia’s footsteps this session and revamp the way they fund transportation. While Virginia opted to cut gas taxes and raise sales taxes, Texas is looking at other options.



