The municipal bond market in the United States is experiencing an unprecedented uplift, a phenomenon reflected in the sharp increase in issuance throughout the year. Various stakeholders and analysts have voiced optimism regarding the persistence of this momentum beyond the upcoming November elections. At the heart of this optimism lies not only a record-setting issuance
Politics
In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump recently expressed his support for lifting the cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. This announcement, made on his Truth Social platform ahead of a rally on Long Island, could signal a renewed focus on tax policy that particularly affects residents of high-tax states like
The upcoming election on November 5, 2024, introduces a significant prospective change to Utah’s education funding landscape. Proposed Amendment A seeks to alter the constitutional stipulations regarding earmarked funds, particularly personal income, corporate franchise, and intangible property tax revenues, which have historically been designated for public education. This article delves into the implications of the
Recent developments concerning Houston’s financial outlook have raised alarms, particularly following Fitch Ratings’ recent decision to downgrade the city’s AA rating from stable to negative. This action closely follows a similar downgrade by S&P Global Ratings, indicating a troubling trend for the city’s fiscal health. The crux of the issue seems to lie in the
As the political landscape prepares for a critical session on tax reform, the recent hearing convened by the Senate Finance Committee serves as a bellwether for the impending battle of ideologies. With the 2024 elections on the horizon, lawmakers from both parties are positioning themselves to address major shifts in tax policy that could have
The recent discussions around the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) have ignited considerable debate among financial institutions and regulatory bodies. At the heart of this tumult is the proposed rule by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that aims to establish a new system for identifying financial securities, which includes municipal bonds. The American Bankers
As the September 30 deadline looms, House Republicans find themselves engulfed in conflict, attempting to balance the urgent need to fund the government with legislative efforts aimed at altering voting regulations. The proposed bill, titled the “Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act,” aims to reinforce existing laws prohibiting non-U.S. citizens from voting in presidential elections, a
In December, the closure of Citi’s public finance division marked a significant turning point not only for the firm but also for the entire municipal finance landscape. While many bankers swiftly transitioned to new roles, Archana Chandrasekhar chose a different path, opting to take a step back and contemplate her career trajectory. After dedicating 16
In a recent budget forecast, the city of Chicago revealed a concerning projection indicating that its corporate fund deficit could escalate dramatically. By the end of 2025, the deficit is anticipated to balloon to approximately $982.4 million, an alarming rise from the estimated $222.9 million expected by the end of 2024. This budget report, released
According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), an alarming one-third of bridges in the United States require either repair or replacement. With federal infrastructure funding playing a crucial role, states are gradually addressing this pressing issue. Based on the latest findings from the 2024 National Bridge Inventory, it’s reported that the number