Past Contributions

• Interactive: How Perry Uses His Veto Power

  By Ross Ramsey and Ryan Murphy May 29, 2013

  As the longest-serving Texas governor, Rick Perry has vetoed his share of bills — 275 of them since taking office in December 2000. Use our interactive to see the history of Perry's veto power. Full Story 

• Redistricting Special Session: The Districts in Question

  By Ross Ramsey and Ryan Murphy May 28, 2013

  Lawmakers are deciding whether to ratify political maps drawn by federal judges for the 2012 elections and to use those maps in 2014. Based on the last two elections, we've calculated the political environment in each district. Full Story 

• Interactive: 2014-15 School Finance Budget Viewer

  By Morgan Smith and Ryan Murphy May 25, 2013

  The budget that awaits the final approval of the 83rd Legislature — and Gov. Rick Perry — adds about $3.4 billion back to public schools from the $5.4 billion lawmakers cut in 2011. Explore how your school district fares under Senate Bill 1. Full Story 

• Interactive: How the Next Budget Continues Growth in State Spending

  By Ryan Murphy and Aman Batheja May 24, 2013

  Texas lawmakers are poised to pass a two-year state budget that is $7 billion higher than the current one. Use this interactive to explore how state spending has grown since 2004. Full Story 

• Interactive: Track Public Education Donors

  By Morgan Smith, Ryan Murphy, Becca Aaronson and Noah Seger May 24, 2013

  Whether they have a longstanding interest or are branching into new territory, some of the state's top political donors advocate for education issues. Use our interactive to track contributions to lawmakers who make decisions affecting Texas schools. Full Story 

• Interactive: Track Energy and Environment Donors

  By Kate Galbraith, Ryan Murphy, Becca Aaronson and Noah Seger May 22, 2013

  From protecting endangered lizards to changing industry standards on fracking, energy and environmental groups have many competing interests in Texas. Use this interactive to track campaign contributions by some of the most influential such groups and donors. Full Story 

• House, Senate Clash Over Dutton Bill Resolved

  By Reeve Hamilton, Ryan Murphy and Aman Batheja May 17, 2013

  UPDATED: Friday morning's clash between the House and Senate appears to be water under the bridge. Lawmakers in the upper chamber said it was a tussle over a local Houston matter — but that they're working to resolve it. Full Story 

• Lawmaker Financial Statements Added to Ethics Explorer

  By Ryan Murphy May 17, 2013

  State lawmakers' personal financial statements for the 2012 calendar year were due April 30, but several lawmakers filed for extensions. As for the 115 lawmakers who did file, the Tribune has you covered. Use our Ethics Explorer to see what lawmakers disclosed in their most recent filings. Full Story 

• Interactive: Tracking Education Reform Bills

  By Morgan Smith, Ryan Murphy and Noah Seger May 15, 2013

  At the start of the legislative session, bills that would strengthen the state's charter school system, overhaul teaching requirements and address accountability for underperforming school districts were a top priority for many advocacy groups and some lawmakers. Use our interactive to track their progress. Full Story 

• Interactive: Tracking Franchise Tax Bills

  By Ryan Murphy, Aman Batheja and Noah Seger May 14, 2013

  Tax relief has become a key issue in the final weeks of the legislative session, and nearly all of the relief efforts are focused on the franchise tax paid by businesses. Use our interactive to track the status of those bills. Full Story