Kansas finds itself at a precarious financial junction, as evidenced by S&P Global Ratings’ recent downgrade of the state’s outlook from positive to stable. This decision marks not just a financial assessment but also highlights the broader implication of federal policy uncertainty on state economies. With the backdrop of looming federal changes, particularly under the
Politics
In the political landscape we currently inhabit, discussions surrounding tax reforms and exemptions are not merely academic; they have profound implications for municipalities across America. Municipal bonds and private activity bonds (PABs) serve as fundamental tools for local governments to fund essential infrastructure and community projects. However, with Congress deliberating over a significant tax reform
As we step into an era where the Biden administration’s funding blitz for transit systems begins to taper off, cities across the United States are facing a daunting reality check. In a troubling shift, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s recent communications underscore a new era marked by stringent bureaucratic demands and an urgent call for
In a move that transcends mere budgeting, Utah’s recent legislative session culminated in the passage of an ambitious, $30.8 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026. This figure reflects not only a substantial financial commitment but also an undeniable boldness in tackling pressing infrastructure issues and future growth needs. It’s noteworthy that amidst an environment
The recent assessment from Moody’s Ratings regarding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) sounds the alarm on what can only be described as a grim predicament for one of America’s major urban transit systems. By downgrading the CTA’s outlook from stable to negative while affirming its A1 rating on $1.9 billion in outstanding bonds, Moody’s paints
In a significant shift, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced plans that prioritize straightforward federal funding for infrastructure projects, moving away from the previous administration’s stringently environmental approach. This redirection comes under the leadership of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who has asserted that infrastructure should focus on tangible needs, such as
In a bold move, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein has put forth an ambitious proposal for the state to issue $4 billion in bonds dedicated to school construction. This call to action arises from the alarming reality that many of our educational institutions are falling apart — overcrowded classrooms, dilapidated facilities, and a myriad of
In an era where political theatrics dominate headlines, our federal representatives have lost sight of their most crucial responsibilities. Instead of addressing issues that directly impact the lives of American families, many politicians seem more engaged in crafting impressive sound bites about global contests or espousing grand ideologies. This focus on showboating has left a
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban transportation, few issues spark as much contention as public funding for mass transit. A recent attempt by Republican State Representative Ellen Troxclair to block bond financing for Austin’s ambitious light-rail project epitomizes this struggle. Just as Austin was poised to leap forward with its $7.1 billion light-rail initiative, backed
As House Republicans prepare to vote on a critical stopgap funding bill, an enormous weight hangs over the political landscape. This legislation, stretching nearly 100 pages, is designed to avert a government shutdown before a looming Friday deadline, effectively continuing fiscal operations through the end of the current fiscal year. While the intended purpose of