The recent discussions surrounding the potential abolition of tax exemptions for municipal bonds are not merely theoretical. They present an imminent threat that could reshape the very fabric of how public utilities operate across the United States. As congressional Republicans propose this significant tax policy adjustment, the implications extend far beyond the walls of Capitol
Politics
The California high-speed rail project, once envisioned as a transformative infrastructure initiative, is now emblematic of governmental inefficiency and fiscal irresponsibility. Originally anticipated to cost around $34 billion, the project’s estimates have bizarrely swelled to between $100 billion and $128 billion. It is a blatant illustration of how a promising idea can lead to an
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently unveiled a sobering C grade for U.S. infrastructure, illuminating a crisis that cannot be understated. As the world’s premier superpower, the United States finds itself at a crossroads; neglecting our infrastructure is no longer a viable option. The pervasive decay in roads, bridges, and transportation systems reflects
The ongoing struggle between the American Securities Association (ASA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) highlights critical questions about the structure of regulatory bodies in the United States. The ASA argues that the composition of the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) is unconstitutional, thus dragging the legitimacy of the SEC’s rules into an uncertain
The recent announcement by North Carolina State Treasurer Brad Briner regarding Jeff Poley’s ascent to the role of interim director for the State and Local Government Finance Division can be interpreted as both a pragmatic move and an opportunity for something truly transformative. In an era where local governments desperately require sound fiscal management, appointing
In recent years, the substantial increase in government spending has sparked a noticeable transformation in America’s infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) has unveiled a report card assessing the state of this core fabric of society, and the results seem to present a combination of optimism and stark warnings. For the first time,
The recent revision of Kansas’ credit outlook from positive to stable by S&P Global Ratings marks a significant moment in the intersection of state finance and federal politics. This downgrade reflects a broader trend of uncertainty that grips not just Kansas, but many states across the nation. What most stands out is S&P’s acknowledgment that
As the United States enters a pivotal moment in fiscal policy, city officials and bond issuers are urged to travel to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the preservation of tax exemptions on municipal and private activity bonds (PABs). In the current political climate, where financial decisions can significantly affect local economies and community growth, the
As the Biden administration slowly winds down its federal funding allocated for public transport, transit systems across the United States find themselves in a quagmire of bureaucratic requirements and political maneuvering. Letters issued by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlight a grim reality: cities are now tasked with ensuring not only a safe
Utah lawmakers recently concluded their legislative session with a sizable budget for fiscal 2026 amounting to $30.8 billion—an ambitious financial plan that reflects both progress and pitfalls. While optimism abounds among state officials, the true effectiveness of this budget remains to be seen as Governor Spencer Cox navigates through its various measures. Many bills aimed