The state of Texas is currently grappling with significant financial challenges at both the local government and school district levels. As city and educational leaders find themselves squeezed by tight budgets and urgent infrastructure needs, proposed reforms regarding taxation and bond issuance present a contentious issue. Governor Greg Abbott’s call for stricter requirements on local
Politics
On a recent Thursday, a significant milestone was reached within the House Budget Committee as it passed a partisan budget resolution with a tight, party-line vote of 21-16. This development marked a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts by House Republicans, who are tasked with navigating a precarious majority. The lengthy 12-hour debate signifies not
The financial landscape for municipalities has evolved significantly in recent years, primarily influenced by legislative changes that affect how local governments manage their debts. The ability to advance refund tax-exempt debts — a tool that was once pivotal for state and local governments — was curtailed following the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs
As the political landscape shifts, the battle for the federal budget unfurls amidst significant debates around tax policies, particularly in relation to municipal bonds. The Trump administration’s ambitious policy agenda faces pressure from advocates fighting to preserve the vital tax-exempt status of these bonds. The essential use of tax-exempt municipal bonds for financing community projects
In a proactive move to enhance fiscal responsibility, Houston city officials introduced a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving significant cost savings for the 2026 budget. Announced by Mayor John Whitmire, this approach is rooted in findings from an Ernst & Young efficiency study that was commissioned the previous year. Mayor Whitmire emphasized that improving operational
In a significant move that captures both attention and apprehension within the financial landscape, the House has unveiled its long-anticipated budget resolution. This document, released on Wednesday, is poised to play a vital role in formulating a substantial tax package, which has caught the particular interest of the municipal bond market. The budget resolution outlines
The southwestern United States is facing an unprecedented water crisis fueled by a growing population, climate change, and aging infrastructure. As drought conditions continue to plague the region, state leaders are initiating significant measures to secure water supplies for their constituents. This article examines the efforts made by Texas and neighboring states, highlighting the urgency
The ongoing legal struggle between Democratic states and the Trump administration highlights the contentious landscape surrounding federal funding and the implications of executive control over financial resources. The Rhode Island district court recently ruled that the Trump administration has breached a judicial order to restore federal funds to states, resulting in heightened tensions and a
The infrastructure funding landscape in the United States is currently characterized by confusion and contention, particularly following a recent freeze on federal funds enacted by the White House. This freeze, although subsequently lifted, has sparked a wave of frustration among lawmakers and transportation officials who depend on these funds for various infrastructure projects supported by
Texas has long been recognized as a beacon of economic opportunity, showcasing a robust job market with diverse growth sectors. However, recent projections by the Dallas Federal Reserve hint at a noticeable shift in this trend. For 2025, job growth is anticipated to reach only 1.6%, a decrease from 1.7% in 2024 and significantly down