Politics

In the ever-evolving landscape of American finance, especially in relation to local governance, the future of tax-exempt municipal bonds hangs in the balance. A recent push from Nebraska Representative Don Bacon has sparked a critical conversation about the necessity of preserving these bonds. As the government seeks new revenue sources to fund ambitious tax policies,

The suggestion to eliminate tax exemptions for municipal bonds, as floated by some congressional Republicans, threatens to upend essential public services across America. By increasing the financial burdens on municipal utilities, this policy proposal risks driving up utility bills for average citizens and creating insurmountable operational hurdles for local governments. Public utilities, tasked with delivering

California’s high-speed rail project is a monumental example of government mismanagement and fiscal irresponsibility. With a staggering budget gap of $7 billion threatening to derail the ongoing Central Valley segment, one has to question the competency of those at the helm of this venture. As reported by Helen Kerstein, a principal fiscal and policy analyst

The recent evaluation by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), awarding U.S. infrastructure a meager C grade, is more than just a failing report card; it’s a wake-up call that resonates across the nation. As a society, we are straddling the edge of a fiscal abyss where inadequate public works threaten economic stability and

At the heart of the legal clash between the American Securities Association (ASA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) lies a pivotal question of governance and authority. The ASA argues that the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB), the entity responsible for creating rules for the municipal securities market, operates under an unconstitutional structure that

North Carolina’s financial landscape is in a state of flux following the announcement by State Treasurer Brad Briner regarding the appointment of Jeff Poley as the interim director of the State and Local Government Finance Division. While Briner asserts that Poley’s experience will provide a seamless transition, one must question whether appointing an interim leader—especially

There’s a commendable shift happening within America’s infrastructure landscape, a sector that has long languished under the weight of neglect and mismanagement. For the first time since the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) began its report card on infrastructure, the cumulative GPA has reached a C. This milestone is not merely a pat on

The recent decision by S&P Global Ratings to downgrade Kansas’ rating outlook from positive to stable isn’t merely a bureaucratic maneuver; it reflects genuine concerns about the potential consequences of federal policy changes that could profoundly affect state finances. This is a significant moment in the realm of fiscal governance, where the uncertainties at the

In an atmosphere awash with fiscal negotiations and a looming tax package, it’s become increasingly evident that municipal bond issuers must seize the moment. The political climate in Washington, D.C. has created a ticking clock for local officials, who need to advocate vigorously for the preservation of tax exemptions on municipal bonds and private activity

As the Biden administration wraps up its funding efforts, public transit systems across the United States find themselves cornered by an oppressive maze of regulations. This isn’t merely bureaucratic red tape; it’s a living testament to the inadequacy of our federal structure to grasp the urgency and vitality of urban transportation. U.S. Department of Transportation