In the dynamic world of finance and economic policy-making, traditional metrics such as inflation and unemployment have long been the primary lenses through which the Federal Reserve evaluates the nation’s economic health. However, an increasingly relevant discussion point has emerged in recent dialogues — that of personal savings. Fed Chair Jerome Powell recently highlighted this
Politics
The political landscape is constantly shifting, and one significant transition is currently unfolding within the House Municipal Finance Caucus. With the impending retirement of Maryland Democratic Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, Rep. Terri Sewell of Alabama is poised to assume the co-chair position of this important bipartisan group. This transition occurs at a crucial juncture, as Congress
On a pivotal Wednesday, both chambers of Congress achieved a significant milestone by passing a continuing resolution (CR) that ensures government operations continue unabated. This legislative move is vital for the uninterrupted flow of federal funding to state and local governments, thus playing a crucial role in supporting various community programs and services. The House
In recent years, most U.S. states embraced a trend of tax reductions in an effort to stimulate economic recovery after the hardships prompted by the pandemic. However, as economies stabilize, the enthusiasm for tax cuts is yielding to concerns about budget deficits and fiscal sustainability. This emerging reality has sparked discussions among policymakers regarding necessary
Recently, Moody’s Ratings has made significant changes to New Mexico’s credit ratings that deserve scrutiny and analysis. The agency revised the outlook on the state’s Aa2 rating to “positive” from “stable,” an important move that impacts roughly $521 million of outstanding general obligation bonds. This shift in outlook isn’t merely a result of a numerical
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
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