In a significant move towards reforming the landscape of municipal securities, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has ratified the amendments to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) Rule G-14 concerning customer transaction reporting. This pivotal change will reduce the reporting time for trades from the erstwhile 15 minutes to a mere one minute, marking
Politics
The Hudson Tunnel Project represents a monumental infrastructural endeavor aimed at modernizing the rail link between New York City and New Jersey. With the current tunnel dating back 114 years, the urgency for change has never been more pressing. The Gateway Development Commission, tasked with the oversight of this project, is nearing the completion of
In recent years, the intersection between public infrastructure and private investment has become a focal point for many governments. The Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant program, established by the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, exemplifies this trend. It aims to empower local and state governments to take stock of their assets, positioning them
The municipal bond market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, with industry experts predicting that this momentum will carry forward beyond the upcoming November elections. The landscape has transformed dramatically over the past year, underscored by record-breaking issuance levels. Recent discussions at The Bond Buyer’s infrastructure conference in Philadelphia highlighted the renewed optimism within the industry.
In a recent announcement on his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump expressed his intent to push for the removal of the cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. This statement has ignited discussions among municipal bond issuers who have been advocating for changes to this tax regulation since it was introduced
The upcoming election on November 5th in Utah could mark a significant shift in how the state allocates its education funding. With the proposed Amendment A on the ballot, voters are being asked to consider a change that would allow a greater degree of flexibility within the state budget, particularly regarding how certain earmarked tax
The financial health of Houston is under scrutiny, with Fitch Ratings recently downgrading the city’s outlook from stable to negative. This decision echoes similar concerns raised by S&P Global Ratings two months prior. Both agencies point to a significant decline in Houston’s financial reserves—specifically, a reduction in the general fund reserves below the critical threshold
The Senate Finance Committee recently opened a crucial forum on the complex and contentious issue of tax reform, setting the stage for a robust debate that looms over the upcoming fiscal year. Highlighted during this hearing was the marked divide between Democratic and Republican approaches to tax policy, illustrating starkly different philosophies regarding wealth accumulation
The American financial landscape is poised for a significant shift as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other federal agencies propose a controversial new framework under the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA). Enacted in December 2022, the FDTA seeks to modernize the disclosure of municipal securities by mandating that such information be accessible in
As the fiscal deadline of September 30 approaches, tensions are mounting within the House Republican party regarding legislation intended to secure government funding. The depletion of federal funding, which affects the entire country, is at the heart of these disputes. Notably, a particular piece of legislation, known as the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act,” is