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datetime="2015-04-08T00:30:06.979745">Wednesday, April 8, 2015</time> </div> </header> </div> <div class="wrapper content-wrapper"> <div id="site_content" class="content "> <div class="grid"> <div class="cell w-8 main_column"> <header class="auxiliary content_header"> <ul class="actions"> <li class="rss"> <a type="application/rss+xml" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/feeds/staff/aman-batheja/">RSS <span></span></a> </li> </ul> <h1>Aman Batheja <span>Reporter</span></h1> </header> <div class="intro"> <div class="media headshot_portrait"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/batheja-aman_G6q1v70_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox inline"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/profiles/batheja-aman_G6q1v70_jpg_131x197_crop_q100.jpg" alt=""/> </a> </div> <p> <strong>Aman Batheja</strong> 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. </p> <ul class="social_links"> <li><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4f2e2d2e3b272a252e0f3b2a372e3c3b3d262d3a212a61203d28"> <i class="icon-envelope"></i> <span><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0b6a696a7f636e616a4b7f6e736a787f7962697e656e2564796c">[email protected]</span><script cf-hash="f9e31" type="text/javascript"> /* <![CDATA[ */!function(){try{var t="currentScript"in document?document.currentScript:function(){for(var t=document.getElementsByTagName("script"),e=t.length;e--;)if(t[e].getAttribute("cf-hash"))return t[e]}();if(t&&t.previousSibling){var e,r,n,i,c=t.previousSibling,a=c.getAttribute("data-cfemail");if(a){for(e="",r=parseInt(a.substr(0,2),16),n=2;a.length-n;n+=2)i=parseInt(a.substr(n,2),16)^r,e+=String.fromCharCode(i);e=document.createTextNode(e),c.parentNode.replaceChild(e,c)}}}catch(u){}}();/* ]]> */</script></span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/tel:512-716-8645"> <i class="icon-phone"></i> <span>512-716-8645</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://twitter.com/amanbatheja" target="_blank"> <i class="icon-twitter"></i> <span>@amanbatheja</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://facebook.com/amanbatheja" target="_blank"> <i class="icon-facebook"></i> <span>amanbatheja</span> </a></li> <li><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/https://plus.google.com/105640697739646852041" target="_blank"> <i class="icon-google-plus"></i> <span>Follow</span> </a></li> </ul> </div> <section id="contributions"> <a name="contributions"></a> <h2>Recent Contributions</h2> <div class="contributions"> <nav class="pagination"> <ul class="pagination"><li class="disabled"><span class="disabled prev"><span>&lsaquo;</span> previous</span></li><li><span class="current page">1</span></li><li><a href="?page=2#contributions" class="page">2</a></li><li><a href="?page=3#contributions" class="page">3</a></li><li><a href="?page=4#contributions" class="page">4</a></li><li><a class="disabled">…</a></li><li><a href="?page=37#contributions" class="page">37</a></li><li><a href="?page=38#contributions" class="page">38</a></li><li><a href="?page=39#contributions" class="page">39</a></li><li><a href="?page=40#contributions" class="page">40</a></li><li class="last"><a href="?page=2#contributions" class="next">next <span>&rsaquo;</span></a></li></ul> </nav> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/">Budgetline: The Spending Cap</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/10/Budgetline-podcast-lead-art-final_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/10/Budgetline-podcast-lead-art-final_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ross-ramsey/">Ross Ramsey</a>, <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/twiseman/">Todd Wiseman</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 6 Apr 2015 11:14:22 -0500" title="2015-04-06 11:14"> April 6, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/comments/"><span class="value">2</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>In this episode of Budgetline, an occasional TribCast series on the Texas Budget, Aman and Ross explore the state's fuzzy limits on how fast the state budget can grow, what counts and what doesn't, and how the politics work.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/06/a-special-tribcast-series-on-the-texas-budget/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/details-murky-states-largest-contracts/">Details Murky on State's Largest Contracts</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/details-murky-states-largest-contracts/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/03/TT-Contract-high-nurse_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/04/03/TT-Contract-high-nurse_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Sat, 4 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-04 06:00"> April 4, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/details-murky-states-largest-contracts/comments/"><span class="value">18</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>The Tribune asked more than 20 state agencies for basic information on their largest contracts with private vendors. Most knew, but the embattled health commission, which believes it has $60 billion or so in contracts, couldn't provide key details.<span><br/></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/04/details-murky-states-largest-contracts/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/">The Texas Tribune's Local Debt Explorer Gets an Update</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/04/LocalDebtExplorer-Lead_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a>, <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/annie-daniel/">Annie Daniel</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 3 Apr 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-04-03 06:00"> April 3, 2015 </time></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Use our Local Debt Explorer to find out how much tax-supported debt is held by your city, county and school district. <span>The data is collected by the </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.brb.state.tx.us/lgs/lgspubs2014.aspx">Texas Bond Review Board</a><span> and reflects each entity’s debt load as of August 2014.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://localdebt.texastribune.org/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/">State Auditor: "Operational Defects" Led to 21CT Deal</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/09/JanekStick_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Texas Health and Human Services Commission Kyle Janek and former HHSC chief counsel, Jack Stick."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/09/JanekStick_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Texas Health and Human Services Commission Kyle Janek and former HHSC chief counsel, Jack Stick." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Texas Health and Human Services Commission Kyle Janek and former HHSC chief counsel, Jack Stick.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 2 Apr 2015 13:30:05 -0500" title="2015-04-02 13:30"> April 2, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/comments/"><span class="value">17</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>A scathing state investigative report of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's $20 million deal for fraud tracking software has revealed "operational defects" within the agency's procurement process. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/02/state-audit-operational-defects-led-21ct-deal/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/">After 18-Hour Debate, House Gives Early OK to Budget</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HS1880Turner_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. Chris Turner, D-Arlington, and other representatives on the House floor during budget debate March 31, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 1 Apr 2015 05:52:18 -0500" title="2015-04-01 05:52"> April 1, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/comments/"><span class="value">8</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>After an overnight debate that veered from polite disagreements to an angry outburst, the Texas House tentatively passed a $210 billion two-year budget early Wednesday morning with a 141 to 5 vote. </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/04/01/final-version-budget-story/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate/">Budget Debate Tackles School Funding, Incentive Programs</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HBOne189_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, carries literature laying out House Bill 1 as he prepares to discuss the appropriations bill on the House floor March 31, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/31/HBOne189_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, carries literature laying out House Bill 1 as he prepares to discuss the appropriations bill on the House floor March 31, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, carries literature laying out House Bill 1 as he prepares to discuss the appropriations bill on the House floor March 31, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 31 Mar 2015 14:55:22 -0500" title="2015-03-31 14:55"> March 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate/comments/"><span class="value">6</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>With more than 350 proposed amendments before then, the Texas House is likely to go well into the evening before getting to a final vote on the $210 billion budget. Early discussions addressed school funding and incentives programs.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/">House Budget Debate to Tackle Hot-Button Issues</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Bob_FloorHouse_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Bob_FloorHouse_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 31 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-31 06:00"> March 31, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>Planning to follow the House's budget debate today? Better clear your schedule. The chamber is set to debate 354 amendments, which are likely to stir debate on issues like abortion, border security, school vouchers and more.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/31/house-budget-debate-tackle-hot-button-issues/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/27/fbi-interviewing-hhsc-employees-about-21ct/">FBI at Health Commission Asking About 21CT</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/27/fbi-interviewing-hhsc-employees-about-21ct/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Janek-Listens_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Dr. Kyle Janek"> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/Janek-Listens_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Dr. Kyle Janek" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Executive Commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission Dr. Kyle Janek</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/terri-langford/">Terri Langford</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Fri, 27 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-27 06:00"> March 27, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/27/fbi-interviewing-hhsc-employees-about-21ct/comments/"><span class="value">12</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>FBI agents have interviewed Texas Health and Human Services Commission employees about the agency's problematic contract with Austin firm</span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.21ct.com/"> 21CT</a><span>, Executive Commissioner</span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/kyle-janek/"> Kyle Janek</a><span> said Thursday, the first time any official with direct knowledge of the FBI's involvement has confirmed it.</span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/27/fbi-interviewing-hhsc-employees-about-21ct/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/while-property-tax-cut-sails-out-senate-house-has-/">Senate's Property Tax Cut May Stall in House</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/while-property-tax-cut-sails-out-senate-house-has-/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/HB11Border375Bonnen2_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Ways and Means chairman Re. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, talks over amendments to HB11 the border security bill debated on Mar. 1, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/18/HB11Border375Bonnen2_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Ways and Means chairman Re. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, talks over amendments to HB11 the border security bill debated on Mar. 1, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Ways and Means chairman Re. Dennis Bonnen, R-Angleton, talks over amendments to HB11 the border security bill debated on Mar. 1, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:45:22 -0500" title="2015-03-25 15:45"> March 25, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/while-property-tax-cut-sails-out-senate-house-has-/comments/"><span class="value">7</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The Texas Senate's notion of lowering property taxes for homeowners may lose steam when it reaches the House, where leaders appear more inclined to lower state sales taxes and avoid a collision with the spending cap.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/25/while-property-tax-cut-sails-out-senate-house-has-/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/budget-writers-send-2098-billion-budget-house-floo/">$209.8 Billion Budget Plan Headed to House Floor</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/budget-writers-send-2098-billion-budget-house-floo/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A1123CMS_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. John Otto (right) proposes a constitutional amendment to use Rainy Day Fund money to pay off state debt during a news conference on Jan. 15, 2015. At left is state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/15/UP9A1123CMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. John Otto (right) proposes a constitutional amendment to use Rainy Day Fund money to pay off state debt during a news conference on Jan. 15, 2015. At left is state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. John Otto (right) proposes a constitutional amendment to use Rainy Day Fund money to pay off state debt during a news conference on Jan. 15, 2015. At left is state Rep. Jimmie Don Aycock, R-Killeen.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 24 Mar 2015 10:20:26 -0500" title="2015-03-24 10:20"> March 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/budget-writers-send-2098-billion-budget-house-floo/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>The House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday backed a $209.8 billion two-year budget that would leave $8.4 billion on the table, along with <span>billions more in the state’s savings account. The budget plan now goes to the full House.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/budget-writers-send-2098-billion-budget-house-floo/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/patricks-tax-cut-package-proves-divisive/">Patrick's Tax Cut Package Triggering Debate</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/patricks-tax-cut-package-proves-divisive/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/_S3R9444GAVELCMS_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="Parliamentarian Karina Davis watches as new Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gavels in the Texas Senate on Jan. 21, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/01/21/_S3R9444GAVELCMS_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="Parliamentarian Karina Davis watches as new Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gavels in the Texas Senate on Jan. 21, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich </cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">Parliamentarian Karina Davis watches as new Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick gavels in the Texas Senate on Jan. 21, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 24 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-24 06:00"> March 24, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/patricks-tax-cut-package-proves-divisive/comments/"><span class="value">23</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>The full Senate is set to vote this week on a package of tax cut bills <span>Lt. Gov. </span><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> has championed, yet the measures have drawn opposition from some big business groups who argue that senators are cutting the wrong taxes.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/24/patricks-tax-cut-package-proves-divisive/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/">Lawmakers Call for End to Toll Roads at Capitol Rally</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/UP9A5068_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, speaks during an anti-toll road rally at the Texas Capitol on March 23, 2015."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/23/UP9A5068_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, speaks during an anti-toll road rally at the Texas Capitol on March 23, 2015." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Marjorie Kamys Cotera</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, speaks during an anti-toll road rally at the Texas Capitol on March 23, 2015.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 23 Mar 2015 13:15:40 -0500" title="2015-03-23 13:15"> March 23, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/comments/"><span class="value">35</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Supporters at a Texas Capitol rally on Monday voiced support for a variety of bills filed aimed at either stopping new toll road projects or undoing the state’s current tolling system entirely. </span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/republicans-call-end-toll-roads-capital-rally/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/patrick-and-straus-top-20-priority-bills/">A Look at the Priority Bills for Straus and Patrick</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/patrick-and-straus-top-20-priority-bills/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/StrausPatrick_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="House Speaker Joe Straus (left) and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/StrausPatrick_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="House Speaker Joe Straus (left) and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> </div> <div class="photo_caption">House Speaker Joe Straus (left) and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a>, <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/morgan-smith/">Morgan Smith</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/becca-aaronson/">Becca Aaronson</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 23 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-23 06:00"> March 23, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/patrick-and-straus-top-20-priority-bills/comments/"><span class="value">14</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>Here's a breakdown of House Bills 1-20 and Senate Bills 1-20, providing a window into where House Speaker <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/joe-straus/">Joe Straus</a> and Lt. Gov. <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/directory/dan-patrick/">Dan Patrick</a> are placing their priorities for the 84th legislative session.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/23/patrick-and-straus-top-20-priority-bills/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/">In Legislature, Toll Roads Facing Strong Opposition</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/Capitol-OutofBusiness_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt=""> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/03/20/Capitol-OutofBusiness_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="" class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo illustration by: Todd Wiseman</cite> </div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Sun, 22 Mar 2015 06:00:00 -0500" title="2015-03-22 06:00"> March 22, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/comments/"><span class="value">40</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p><span>Anti-toll sentiment at the Capitol is at its highest level in at least a decade as both Republicans and Democrats have proposed measures that would either<span> tap the brakes on new toll road projects, or undo the state’s current tolling system entirely.</span></span></p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/22/legislature-tolls-facing-strong-opposition/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <article class=""> <header> <h1><a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/supplemental-budget-will-cost-433-million-house-me/">Supplemental Budget Would Cost $433 Million, House Members Learn</a></h1> </header> <div class="media story_page"> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/supplemental-budget-will-cost-433-million-house-me/"> <img src="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007im_/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/_KCA8357_jpg_260x1000_q100.jpg" alt="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, in the Texas House of Representatives, Feb. 8, 2011."> </a> <div class="photo_links"> <a href="//web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://s3.amazonaws.com/static.texastribune.org/media/images/2015/02/04/_KCA8357_jpg_800x1000_q100.jpg" title="State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, in the Texas House of Representatives, Feb. 8, 2011." class="lightbox enlarge">Enlarge</a> <cite>photo by: Bob Daemmrich</cite> </div> <div class="photo_caption">State Rep. John Otto, R-Dayton, in the Texas House of Representatives, Feb. 8, 2011.</div> </div> <header> <ul class="meta separator"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Thu, 19 Mar 2015 11:58:12 -0500" title="2015-03-19 11:58"> March 19, 2015 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/supplemental-budget-will-cost-433-million-house-me/comments/"><span class="value">3</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </header> <section class="summary"> <p>House budget writers intend to add $433 million to the current two-year budget with a supplemental bill laid out Thursday, though some lawmakers expressed concern with plans for millions in leftover funds from some state health programs.</p> <a class="permalink" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2015/03/19/supplemental-budget-will-cost-433-million-house-me/"> <i class="icon-share-alt"></i> Full Story</a> </section> </article> <nav class="pagination"> <ul class="pagination"><li class="disabled"><span class="disabled prev"><span>&lsaquo;</span> previous</span></li><li><span class="current page">1</span></li><li><a href="?page=2#contributions" class="page">2</a></li><li><a href="?page=3#contributions" class="page">3</a></li><li><a href="?page=4#contributions" class="page">4</a></li><li><a class="disabled">…</a></li><li><a href="?page=37#contributions" class="page">37</a></li><li><a href="?page=38#contributions" class="page">38</a></li><li><a href="?page=39#contributions" class="page">39</a></li><li><a href="?page=40#contributions" class="page">40</a></li><li class="last"><a href="?page=2#contributions" class="next">next <span>&rsaquo;</span></a></li></ul> </nav> </div> </section> </div> <div class=" rail cell w-4 hide-for-medium-down"> <section class="sidebar_block content_list"> <header> <h1>Aman’s Twitter Feed</h1> </header> <a class="twitter-timeline" href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/https://twitter.com/amanbatheja" data-widget-id="557283380245430272" data-screen-name="amanbatheja" data-tweet-limit="3" data-chrome="noborders nofooter noheader">Tweets</a> </section> <section class="sidebar_block content_list"> <header> <h1>Aman’s Blog Posts</h1> </header> <dl> <dt> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2012/07/30/senate-race-spending-topped-45-million/">Senate Runoff Race Spending Topped $45 Million</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta short separator relative-time"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Mon, 30 Jul 2012 13:36:59 -0500" title="2012-07-30 13:36"> July 30, 2012 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2012/07/30/senate-race-spending-topped-45-million/comments/"><span class="value">1</span><span class="label">Comment</span></a></li></ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2012/06/19/who-funding-dewhurst-and-cruz-campaigns/">Who is Funding the Dewhurst and Cruz Campaigns?</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta short separator relative-time"><li class="byline"> by <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/ryan-murphy/">Ryan Murphy</a> and <a href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/about/staff/aman-batheja/">Aman Batheja</a></li><li><time datetime="Tue, 19 Jun 2012 12:00:00 -0500" title="2012-06-19 12:00"> June 19, 2012 </time></li><li class="comments"><a class="comments" href="/web/20150408053007/http://www.texastribune.org/2012/06/19/who-funding-dewhurst-and-cruz-campaigns/comments/"><span class="value">5</span><span class="label">Comments</span></a></li></ul> </dd> </dl> </section> <section class="sidebar_block content_list"> <header> <h1>Aman’s Wire</h1> </header> <dl> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/ted-cruz-hasnt-ruled-out-legal-status-undocumented-imigrants">Ted Cruz hasn't ruled out legal status for undocum</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.msnbc.com/msnbc/ted-cruz-hasnt-ruled-out-legal-status-undocumented-imigrants">MSNBC</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Fri, 27 Mar 2015 14:19:57 -0500" title="2015-03-27 14:19"> March 27, 2015 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-03-12/best-state-for-business-yes-california">Best State for Business? Yes, California</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.bloombergview.com/articles/2015-03-12/best-state-for-business-yes-california">Bloomberg View</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Thu, 12 Mar 2015 15:41:08 -0500" title="2015-03-12 15:41"> March 12, 2015 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.govexec.com/oversight/2015/02/ted-cruz-wants-reform-federal-hiring/106332/?oref=govexec_today_nl">Ted Cruz Wants to Reform Federal Hiring - Oversigh</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.govexec.com/oversight/2015/02/ted-cruz-wants-reform-federal-hiring/106332/?oref=govexec_today_nl">Government Executive</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Mon, 2 Mar 2015 10:37:32 -0600" title="2015-03-02 10:37"> March 2, 2015 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20150206-bullet-train-developer-ids-possible-dallas-station-sites-partners-with-matthews-southwest.ece">Bullet train developer IDs possible Dallas station</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20150206-bullet-train-developer-ids-possible-dallas-station-sites-partners-with-matthews-southwest.ece">Dallas Morning News</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Fri, 6 Feb 2015 09:59:31 -0600" title="2015-02-06 09:59"> Feb. 6, 2015 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-spies-on-millions-of-cars-1422314779">U.S. Spies on Millions of Cars</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-spies-on-millions-of-cars-1422314779">Wall Street Journal</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Mon, 26 Jan 2015 18:05:34 -0600" title="2015-01-26 18:05"> Jan. 26, 2015 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/blog/morning_call/2015/01/high-speed-rail-station-could-redevelop-dallas.html">High-speed rail station could displace Dallas Morn</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/blog/morning_call/2015/01/high-speed-rail-station-could-redevelop-dallas.html">Dallas Business Journal</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Tue, 13 Jan 2015 10:34:07 -0600" title="2015-01-13 10:34"> Jan. 13, 2015 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://news.yahoo.com/texas-public-pension-fund-dealt-ethics-dilemma-152907966--sector.html">How a Texas public pension fund dealt with an ethi</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://news.yahoo.com/texas-public-pension-fund-dealt-ethics-dilemma-152907966--sector.html">Reuters</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Fri, 9 Jan 2015 09:49:05 -0600" title="2015-01-09 09:49"> Jan. 9, 2015 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Perry-Obama-decision-on-Cuba-not-in-our-best-5965917.php">Perry: Obama decision on Cuba not in 'our best int</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Perry-Obama-decision-on-Cuba-not-in-our-best-5965917.php">San Antonio Express-News</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Thu, 18 Dec 2014 12:13:54 -0600" title="2014-12-18 12:13"> Dec. 18, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/rick-perry-hungry-for-redemption-says-hes-a-substantially-different-candidate/2014/12/09/3c9c605a-7f20-11e4-81fd-8c4814dfa9d7_story.html">Rick Perry, hungry for redemption, says he鈥檚 a 鈥榮u</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/rick-perry-hungry-for-redemption-says-hes-a-substantially-different-candidate/2014/12/09/3c9c605a-7f20-11e4-81fd-8c4814dfa9d7_story.html">Washington Post</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Tue, 9 Dec 2014 12:13:50 -0600" title="2014-12-09 12:13"> Dec. 9, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> <dt> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/25/business/woman-cleared-in-death-caused-by-gms-faulty-ignition-switch.html?_r=1">Woman Cleared in Death Tied to G.M.鈥檚 Faulty Ignit</a> </dt> <dd> <ul class="meta separator relative-time"> <li class="byline"> <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20150408053007/http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/25/business/woman-cleared-in-death-caused-by-gms-faulty-ignition-switch.html?_r=1">New York Times</a> </li> <li> <time datetime="Tue, 25 Nov 2014 09:53:41 -0600" title="2014-11-25 09:53"> Nov. 25, 2014 </time> </li> </ul> </dd> </dl> </section> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="wrapper-r"> <footer id="site_footer" class="wrapper-r"> <div class="hide-for-medium-down"> </div> <div id="footer" class="grid"> <dl id="staff_writers" class="cell w-3"> <dt>Writers</dt> <div class="cell w-6"> <dd> <a 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