Politics

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

Utah’s recently concluded legislative session has stirred considerable conversation, bringing funding opportunities and infrastructural ambitions to the forefront. Among the most significant decisions was the passage of a $30.8 billion budget for fiscal 2026, which targeted essential sectors while highlighting the state’s desire for ambitious growth and modernization. The slashing of individual income taxes from

Chicago’s public transportation system, the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), is facing an existential crisis as outlined by Moody’s recent credit ratings report. The contrast between operational requirements and financial reality sets the CTA on a precarious path. Affirmed with an A1 rating while its outlook shifts to negative, one can’t help but question the sustainability