The job market in Texas is currently facing a notable slowdown, with recent projections from the Dallas Federal Reserve indicating a decline in job growth from previous years. Specifically, the forecast predicts a gain of 1.6% in 2025, a modest decrease from the anticipated 1.7% growth in 2024 and a more significant reduction from the
Politics
The ways in which federal funding is allocated have long been a contentious issue, entwined with political ideologies and regional dependencies. As the Trump administration seeks to establish its legacy, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is at the forefront of a transformative directive that recognizes the need to reshape transportation policies. By tying funding
The recent decision by the Texas Supreme Court has sent shockwaves through Houston’s financial landscape, sparking deep concerns among city officials about the long-term implications of a staggering $100 million budget deficit. This ruling stems from an appellate court’s decision related to a 2019 lawsuit challenging the city’s ability to manipulate certain property tax revenues
Connecticut has stepped into the spotlight with a bold new proposal aimed at fortifying the state against the escalating threats posed by climate change. Governor Ned Lamont, on January 21, 2023, unveiled a comprehensive nine-point strategy designed not only to address the immediate hazards brought by extreme weather events but also to provide sustainable long-term
The debate surrounding the potential revocation of the tax-exempt status for municipal bonds has ignited significant concern among a wide variety of stakeholders, including investors, housing advocates, and municipal issuers. These bonds serve as an essential financial instrument, facilitating local governments’ ability to fund infrastructure projects effectively and affordably. Explaining their importance, Mark Ritacco, chief
In recent months, legislative actions in Oklahoma have ignited an intense debate surrounding the intersection of finance, environmental policy, and government regulation. A particularly notable development is Senate Bill 714, introduced by Republican State Senator Dave Rader, which seeks to exempt municipal bond sales from a controversial provision in a 2022 state law. This exemption
In the complex world of municipal securities, the ongoing discourse regarding the fee structures imposed by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) continues to spark significant contention. The disparities in how municipal advisors (MAs) and dealers are assessed fees have ignited a debate that highlights the challenges of regulatory fairness and transparency. Dealer groups assert
As public discussion intensifies surrounding the fate of the municipal bond tax exemption, the urgency of this issue cannot be overstated. The reliance of state and local governments on this pivotal financing tool underscores its importance for infrastructure development across the nation. The recent efforts by the University of Chicago’s Center for Municipal Finance to
In response to the overwhelming challenges faced by health facilities due to the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles region, California’s state treasurer has initiated a supportive measure designed to bolster these critical healthcare providers. This new initiative, known as the 2025 Emergency Wildfire Help Loan Program, represents a meaningful effort to safeguard healthcare access
In a critical moment for federal funding, a federal judge in the District of Columbia intervened on Tuesday, temporarily halting the Trump administration’s recent directive to freeze federal fund disbursement. This decision came after various nonprofit organizations, including the National Council of Nonprofits, filed a lawsuit against the directive. The implications of this case are