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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.
More than 80 miles of roads in West and South Texas will be converted to gravel, state transportation officials announced Thursday. Officials cited a funding shortfall and the impact of the current drilling boom in making the decision. Full Story
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With less than a week left in the current special session and lawmakers anxious to go home, negotiators reached an impasse over transportation funding, prompting the governor to threaten to call a third session if more time is needed. Full Story
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Former state Rep. Aaron Peña says he was "treated like a drug dealer" during a recent traffic stop in the South Texas city of Robstown. A Robstown police spokesman said that officers followed the law during the traffic stop. Full Story
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The Senate met briefly Friday to pave the way for negotiations to begin with the House over the details of a plan that would increase transportation funding by nearly $1 billion a year. The goal is for both chambers to pass the same measure next week. Full Story
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The House voted 108-25 for a measure that would boost funding for the Texas Department of Transportation without raising taxes or fees, but lawmakers said they expect the Senate to make changes to the proposal. Full Story
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UPDATED: The Texas House approved a resolution Thursday to posthumously award a special medal to a Texas-born World War II hero after efforts to issue it earlier this year fell apart. Full Story
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In a 92-36 vote, the Texas House on Monday gave tentative approval to a plan that would boost funding for road construction and maintenance if voters approve a constitutional amendment. Full Story
While abortion legislation is drawing all the attention in this second special session, lawmakers are also trying for the third time this year to find some extra money for the Texas Department of Transportation. Full Story
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The second special session starting Monday gives transportation advocates a third chance to find some extra money for road construction and maintenance. Full Story
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The Senate could vote as early as next week on transportation funding and criminal justice measures that died in the first special session. Those measures were quickly approved Tuesday by two Senate committees. Full Story
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