Latest Contributions

• Texas’ water infrastructure is broken, jeopardizing quality and supply for a growing state

  By Pooja Salhotra and Jayme Lozano Carver May 3, 2023

  On a daily basis, water managers in cities across the state move from crisis to crisis hoping to keep the water flowing to residents. Full Story 

• Illegal voting in Texas likely to be a felony again after state House vote

  By Brian Lopez and Pooja Salhotra, The Texas Tribune, and Natalia Contreras, Votebeat and The Texas Tribune April 27, 2023

  The Texas Senate has passed similar legislation. But a key policy separates the two chambers. Full Story 

• Texas House OKs $5 billion for broadband, if voters give thumbs up

  By Pooja Salhotra and Jayme Lozano Carver April 27, 2023

  The legislation — which falls short of the $10 billion needed to ensure all Texans have reliable internet access — must still win approval in the state Senate. Full Story 

• Proposed ban on corporal punishment in Texas schools fails again

  By Pooja Salhotra April 26, 2023

  Texas public schools can allow corporal punishment, which includes hitting, spanking, paddling or deliberately inflicting physical pain to discipline students. Full Story 

• Texas Senate moves to end countywide voting on Election Day

  By Pooja Salhotra and James Barragán April 20, 2023

  Voters in nearly 100 counties — mostly rural — can vote at any polling site in their county. The sponsor, without offering evidence, said the practice was not secure despite years of successful elections in Texas with the system. Full Story 

• In East Texas, skepticism over private school tuition assistance persists despite push from conservative leaders

  By Pooja Salhotra April 7, 2023

  Gov. Greg Abbott and other conservatives say families need options to escape “woke” education in public schools. East Texas parents and school leaders say the national talking points are off base. Full Story 

• Texas Senate moves to set aside billions for future water needs

  By Erin Douglas and Pooja Salhotra April 3, 2023

  The Senate on Monday passed a bill that would create a new state fund tailored for large or long-shot water supply projects, including marine desalination. The bill will advance to the House. Full Story 

• With billions of dollars on the line, East Texans say a crucial state map incorrectly shows they already have broadband

  By Pooja Salhotra March 29, 2023

  East Texans worry they could miss out on federal dollars because a state map that will help determine where the money goes shows they already have access to broadband. Residents say their broadband is chronically unreliable. Full Story 

• Bill that would give parents state funds to pay for private schools moves to the full Senate for a vote

  By Pooja Salhotra March 28, 2023

  Education savings accounts, which are similar to vouchers, are a priority of Gov. Greg Abbott this session. Texas senators also advanced a bill that would give raises and other benefits to teachers. Full Story 

• Texas Senate takes first step toward establishing billions for state’s water supply, infrastructure

  By Pooja Salhotra March 20, 2023

  Voters would have the final say on whether the state sets aside billions of dollars to acquire new water sources and invest in aging infrastructure. Full Story