Past Contributions

• Interactive Timeline: The Budget Battle

  By Becca Aaronson, Ben Hasson and Travis Swicegood June 15, 2011

  We’ve culled the Tribune’s coverage of the budget battle and created an interactive timeline to link readers back to the major developments. Full Story 

• On the Records: An Interactive Map of Houston

  By Becca Aaronson June 14, 2011

  The Center for Urban Research at the City University of New York released a map of Houston today using data from the Census Bureau to visualize changes in race and ethnicity population patterns. Full Story 

• On the Records: Texas Lawmakers Well Educated, Report Finds

  By Becca Aaronson June 13, 2011

  The Chronicle of Higher Education has released a data interactive showing the education levels of lawmakers nationally. The study shows most Texas legislators are well educated — 48 percent have attained more than a bachelor’s degree. Full Story 

• House OKs Bill to Seek Federal Medicaid Waiver

  By Becca Aaronson June 10, 2011

  The Texas House passed a bill today to take control of Texas health care reform, tentatively passing a bill that will allow the state to petition the Obama administration for a block grant to operate the Medicaid program. Full Story 

• Updated: Fiscal Conservatives Frustrated With House Votes

  By Emily Ramshaw, Morgan Smith and Becca Aaronson June 10, 2011

  Rep. Donna Howard's proposal to direct surplus Rainy Day Fund money to Texas schools for enrollment growth survived to fight another day during debate on the House floor this morning, but not before a Republican attempt to derail it. Full Story 

• Texplainer: Can the Lege Override a Veto After the Session Ends?

  By Becca Aaronson and Thanh Tan June 8, 2011

  Hey, Texplainer: Can the Lege override the governor's veto of legislation passed in the regular session — once the regular session is over? The governor says no. But it's murky. Two expert opinions offer somewhat conflicting views. Full Story 

• "On the Records" Under New Management

  By Ryan Murphy and Becca Aaronson June 6, 2011

  Data journalism guru Matt Stiles may have left the building but Ryan Murphy and Becca Aaronson will be keeping the tradition and spirit of @stiles alive by continuing to update the data blog On the Records and the @TribData Twitter account. Full Story 

• Interactive Timeline: Rep. David Simpson

  By Brandi Grissom, Jacob Villanueva and Becca Aaronson June 3, 2011

  Rep. David Simpson, a conservative Tea Party freshman from Longview, stood out in the Texas 82nd legislative session for his principled stance on limited government. His actions stirred criticism, laughs and curiosity from fellow lawmakers. Check out this interactive timeline with links to stories, videos and documents to take a look back at the waves Simpson made in the Texas Legislature. Full Story 

• New Lawmaker's Crusade Against Government is a Lonely One

  By Brandi Grissom and Becca Aaronson June 3, 2011

  In the just-ended legislative session, freshman state Rep. David Simpson made a name for himself — and not always a nice one — with his passionate push for the “anti-groping” airport bill and his outspoken stance against proposals he believed represented government intrusion into personal freedoms. Full Story 

• "Anti-Groping" Bill May Be Reborn in Special Session

  By Becca Aaronson June 2, 2011

  The “anti-groping” bill may not be dead just yet. State Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, who authored the original bill, is renewing his quest to uphold the Fourth Amendment in the special session. Full Story