In the realm of public finance, few issues strike at the heart of local governance like the potential elimination of tax-exempt municipal bonds. Nebraskan Congressman Don Bacon’s impending “Dear Colleague” letter makes it abundantly clear: without the preservation of these bonds, the very fabric of local economies and essential infrastructure could be irrevocably damaged. The
Politics
In an increasingly complex financial landscape, the tax exemption on municipal bonds is a crucial lifeline for public utilities across the United States. The potential elimination of this exemption, as suggested by congressional Republicans, heralds a slew of severe repercussions that would echo through households and local economies. The implications could affect not just utility
California’s ambitious high-speed rail project, once touted as the crown jewel of public transportation, now finds itself in a precarious position, with a staggering $7 billion funding shortfall. This deficiency threatens the completion of the Central Valley segment and raises red flags about the entire initiative’s viability. Detractors, including former President Trump and various state
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has bestowed a disheartening C grade upon the infrastructure of the United States—a stark indication that our nation operates on a shaky foundation. This report is not just an academic assessment; it’s a clarion call for immediate and transformative action. Jon Phillips, the CEO of the Global Infrastructure
In the ongoing saga surrounding the SEC’s orders and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), one can’t help but ponder the underlying structural issues that render the MSRB fundamentally flawed. The American Securities Association (ASA) has brought to light significant constitutional concerns regarding the MSRB’s governance, raising questions about its legitimacy and efficacy. By positioning
The announcement from North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner regarding the appointment of Jeff Poley as interim director of the State and Local Government Finance Division is not merely an administrative shuffle. It represents a pivotal moment for fiscal leadership in a state that has often grappled with both innovative governance and financial stagnation. Briner’s
For the first time in history, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) reported an overall grade of ‘C’ for U.S. infrastructure—an indicator that years of government spending and investment are starting to bear fruit. This news is undeniably encouraging, particularly in an era marked by disillusionment regarding governmental effectiveness. Darren Olson, chair of the
The recent decision by S&P Global Ratings to revise Kansas’ economic outlook from positive to stable signals an impending storm cloud on the financial horizon. This isn’t merely an abstract assessment; it represents a tangible consequence of the current federal policies that have left many states—including Kansas—in a vulnerable position. The Trump administration’s inconsistent strategies,
In the current political climate, the stakes have never been higher for municipal bond-issuing entities advocating for the preservation of tax exemptions, particularly regarding private activity bonds (PABs). As Congress gears up for a significant tax reform package, decision-makers are weighing the merits of eliminating tax exemptions for PABs, a funding mechanism essential for various
As the legislative support initiated under President Biden begins to dwindle, American transit systems are stepping into a precarious landscape defined by increasing bureaucratic demands and ambiguous federal directives. The recent communications from U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, to transit authorities like the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) symbolize a troubling shift towards