Past Contributions

• A Look Back at Rick Perry's Impact in Texas

  By Becca Aaronson June 4, 2015

  Take a look back at our 10-part series on the impact of Rick Perry, Texas' longest-serving governor. See what he will probably be most remembered for, and his impact in various policy areas. Full Story 

• After the Rain, How Full Are Texas Reservoirs?

  By Becca Aaronson June 3, 2015

  After years of drought, heavy rain across the state has finally refilled many Texas reservoirs. Check out the Tribune's Reservoir App to see where the drought has receded, and which Texas communities' reservoirs are still parched. Full Story 

• A Closer Look at the Final 2016-17 State Budget

  By Aman Batheja and Becca Aaronson June 2, 2015

  Here’s a look at how the Texas House and Senate budget proposals compared and what the two chambers ultimately settled on, using information from the Legislative Budget Board. Full Story 

• With Hospital Funds in Question, Who's at Risk?

  By Becca Aaronson and Edgar Walters May 20, 2015

  As Texas negotiates with the Obama administration over how to pay for health care for the poor and uninsured, the state's safety-net hospitals and clinics are steeling themselves for an uncertain future. Full Story 

• Texas Legislative Guide: Cutting Margins Taxes

  By Becca Aaronson April 28, 2015

  The House on Tuesday took up legislation on cutting the business franchise tax, also known as the margins tax. Learn more about the issue at hand in the Tribune's Texas Legislative Guide. And watch the action in the House and Senate using our livestream. Full Story 

• A Look at the Priority Bills for Straus and Patrick

  By Aman Batheja, Morgan Smith and Becca Aaronson April 28, 2015

  Here's an updated breakdown of House Bills 1-20 and Senate Bills 1-20, showing where House Speaker Joe Straus and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick are placing their priorities for the 84th legislative session. Full Story 

• A Look at How House, Senate Budgets Compare

  By Aman Batheja and Becca Aaronson April 24, 2015

  This week, the House and the Senate named the members of a conference committee that will resolve the differences between the two chambers' budget plans. Here’s a look at how the two proposals compare, with details on some areas where the plans diverge. Full Story 

• Map: Breast and Cervical Cancer Program Providers

  By Alexa Ura and Becca Aaronson March 18, 2015

  The Senate's proposed changes to the state's breast and cervical cancer screening program — intended to cut funding for Planned Parenthood clinics — could hit low-income women in rural and West Texas hardest. Use our map to see how. Full Story 

• Reintroducing the Texas Legislative Guide

  By Ryan Murphy, Annie Daniel and Becca Aaronson March 13, 2015

  We've given your go-to resource for the 84th legislative session a new look. With easier navigation, larger videos and a better mobile experience, the Texas Legislative Guide is the best place to learn more about the session. Full Story 

• Texas Bearing Brunt of Drop in Oil Drilling

  By Becca Aaronson and Jim Malewitz Feb. 3, 2015

  After months of plummeting oil prices, nightmares about idled drilling rigs have become reality, hitting Texas the hardest. See how many rigs the state has lost in recent months. Full Story