Latest Contributions

• Our updated Texas 2020 Hotlist: The most competitive races in this year's primary

  By Ross Ramsey, Patrick Svitek and Chris Essig Updated: Feb. 26, 2020

  A couple of The Texas Tribune's political nerds highlight (their latest version of) the most interesting races up and down the 2020 primary ballot. Full Story 

• Three Texas school districts face state penalties after getting failing grades. Look up your campus' A-F grade here.

  By Aliyya Swaby, Mandi Cai and Chris Essig Updated: Aug. 15, 2019

  Houston ISD, the state's largest school district, is among those that could have its school board taken over by the state, due to consecutive low ratings of one of its schools. Full Story 

• How a Supreme Court decision on the census citizenship question could affect representation in Texas

  By Alexa Ura, Chris Essig and Darla Cameron June 21, 2019

  The U.S. Supreme Court could soon alter the political future of Texas when it decides whether the Trump administration can ask about citizenship on the upcoming census. Full Story 

• Texas police can seize money and property with little transparency. So we got the data ourselves.

  By Jolie McCullough, Acacia Coronado and Chris Essig June 7, 2019

  A Texas Tribune study analyzed 560 cases from four Texas counties to shine a light on how the controversial practice of civil asset forfeiture is used by law enforcement. Full Story 

• Here’s how different proposals at the Texas Capitol could change property tax bills

  By Aliyya Swaby, Chris Essig and Shannon Najmabadi April 8, 2019

  How would lawmakers' proposals to provide property tax relief affect tax bills? It depends on where you live and what kind of home you own. Full Story 

• Texas lawmakers eye a record-breaking rainy day fund withdrawal

  By Edgar Walters and Chris Essig March 21, 2019

  Proposals in the Texas House would spend $6.6 billion from the state’s savings account; the Senate would spend $4.4 billion. Full Story 

• In Texas, property tax levies can be as individual as homeowners themselves

  By Chris Essig and Brandon Formby Feb. 22, 2019

  State lawmakers are trying to reform a complicated taxing system where everything from suburban growth to gentrification and a homeowner’s age influence how much Texans pay their local governments. Full Story 

• Texas officials call it "property tax relief" — but legislation won't lower tax bills or decrease budgets

  By Chris Essig, Ben Hasson and Brandon Formby Feb. 21, 2019

  The fight over property tax rates is really about state leaders telling local officials how much their revenues can grow before voters get to step in. Full Story 

• How do Texas governments calculate your property taxes? Here’s a primer.

  By Brandon Formby, Chris Essig and Ben Hasson Feb. 20, 2019

  Several government entities — from appraisal districts to city councils — play independent roles that collectively determine how much money Texas landowners owe local governments each year. Full Story 

• Texas’ savings account is poised to hit $15 billion. How much will lawmakers spend?

  By Edgar Walters and Chris Essig Feb. 8, 2019

  As lawmakers debate costly investments in property tax reduction and public schools, they're eyeing the state savings account for a sizable withdrawal. Full Story