The political landscape in the United States is ever-evolving, and one recent shift has captured the attention of those invested in municipal finance. With the retirement of Maryland Representative Dutch Ruppersberger from Congress, the House Municipal Finance Caucus is gearing up for a new chapter under the leadership of Alabama Representative Terri Sewell. This transition
Politics
The recent passage of a continuing resolution (CR) by both chambers of the U.S. Congress has garnered attention not only for its implications in preventing a government shutdown but also for its reflection of the current political landscape. As the legislative bodies pushed through a collaborative effort with overwhelmingly bipartisan votes—341 to 82 in the
In the last few years, states across the U.S. have enthusiastically embraced tax cuts, driven by an economic surplus fueled by federal aid and a resulting economic upswing. This trend, however, is beginning to reveal itself as a double-edged sword as financial realities come back into focus. With budget shortfalls emerging as economies return to
Recent developments in credit ratings have placed New Mexico in a spotlight, reflecting a blend of optimism and caution. Moody’s Investors Service has upgraded its outlook on New Mexico’s Aa2 credit rating from stable to positive, a shift that can be interpreted as a vote of confidence in the state’s fiscal management. This adjustment impacts
The recent amendments to the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) Rule G-14, sanctioned by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), signal a pivotal shift in the reporting process for municipal securities transactions. This transition, which reduces the reporting window from 15 minutes to a mere one minute, underscores the commitment to increasing transparency and efficiency
The Gateway Development Commission (GDC) is on the verge of completing a significant chapter in infrastructure development with the Hudson Tunnel Project, a critical initiative aimed at bolstering rail connectivity between New Jersey and Manhattan. At a recent discussion hosted by the Municipal Analysts Group of New York, GDC’s CFO, Pat McCoy, disclosed that the
In an era where public-private partnerships (P3s) are becoming increasingly vital to urban development, a newly launched initiative under the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has secured attention for its strategic approach. The Innovative Finance and Asset Concession Grant program has been introduced to assist local, regional, and state governments in systematically cataloging their
The municipal bond market is experiencing a significant renaissance, with experts predicting continued growth well beyond the upcoming November elections. The recently concluded infrastructure conference in Philadelphia underscored the prevailing optimism, as industry leaders discussed record-breaking issuance levels and robust deal activity. For many stakeholders in the finance sector, these developments signify not just a
In a striking declaration via his Truth Social platform, former President Donald Trump has put his weight behind the notion of lifting the cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. This announcement has gained traction among municipal bond issuers, particularly in light of the cap’s adverse effects on their funding landscape. Trump vowed
On November 5, 2023, Utah voters will confront a significant change proposed through Amendment A, a constitutional amendment that aims to offer increased fiscal flexibility by reallocating tax revenues traditionally earmarked for K-12 public education. Currently, income, corporate franchise, and intangible property tax revenues are mandated by the state constitution to serve educational funding. The