Southwest

DALLAS — An alleged pay-to-play scheme in New Mexico involving former Gov. Bill Richardson’s administration was similar to one in New York that resulted in criminal penalties, according to lawsuits filed in state and federal court.

DALLAS — With $15 million in federal grants for a high-speed rail study, Texas officials see the state as well-positioned for developing a Houston-to-Dallas corridor.

The Seguin Independent School District’s request for $97.5 million of general obligation bonds won the support last week of the Seguin Chamber of Commerce.

Officials in Georgetown said the passage of a $29.5 million general obligation bond proposal on May 14 would allow the city to replace outdated public service facilities and upgrade municipal operations.

The only municipal school district in Texas is asking voters to approve a four-part, $49.9 million bond proposal on May 14 to upgrade and maintain district facilities.

The Oklahoma Historical Society is asking the Legislature to approve $40 million of 20-year bonds to build a music and popular culture museum in Tulsa’s Brady Arts District, along with a parking garage.

Kansas Senate leaders have reduced to $34 million the amount of bonds being sought for continuing restoration efforts at the state capitol.

DALLAS — As its Legislature prepares to close the state’s biggest budget gap in decades, Texas will test the market’s appetite for $133.5 million of general obligation bonds that carry top marks from two of the three rating agencies.

DALLAS — The Texas Department of Transportation would be spared the kind of funding cuts hitting other agencies under a budget bill approved by the state Senate last week.

DALLAS — The Texas Senate approved a two-year state budget Wednesday on a straight 19-12 party-line vote after Republican leaders outflanked Democratic opposition to considering the $176.5 billion spending plan.