The Texas labor market is poised for a slowdown in job growth over the coming years, with the Dallas Federal Reserve projecting a modest increase of 1.6% in employment for 2025. This figure marks a slight decrease from 1.7% anticipated for 2024 and a notable dip from the 2.4% spike seen in 2023. These statistics
Politics
In a troubled moment for the city of Houston, officials are grappling with the implications of a recent court ruling that has put immense pressure on its already strained finances. The Texas Supreme Court’s choice not to hear Houston’s appeal regarding a 2019 lawsuit marks a crucial turning point, as it essentially upholds a previous
The landscape of transportation funding and policy in the United States is undergoing a substantial transformation under the new leadership in the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). As outlined in a recent directive by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, there is a discernible shift towards aligning transportation projects with specific demographic trends and federal compliance issues.
As extreme weather events increasingly plague regions across the United States, the state of Connecticut has taken a proactive stance in combatting the multifaceted challenges presented by climate change. Governor Ned Lamont recently unveiled a comprehensive resilience program aimed at enhancing the state’s preparation for future environmental threats. This initiative is particularly notable given the
Municipal bonds represent a crucial financial mechanism through which states, cities, and counties fund vital infrastructure projects. They allow local governments to borrow money at lower interest rates, offering investors tax-exempt income while simultaneously facilitating public projects like schools, transportation systems, and hospitals. This unique financial framework not only eases the burden on taxpayers but
The legislative landscape in Oklahoma has recently been stirred by the introduction of Senate Bill 714, a proposal that seeks to amend a previous law concerning the sale of bonds and notes by state governments. The original legislation, enacted in 2022, was controversial as it initiated a prohibition on contracts exceeding $100,000 with companies perceived
As the political landscape shifts in the United States, the role of municipal bonds is under increased scrutiny. The University of Chicago’s Center for Municipal Finance is set to release pioneering data that could potentially shape policy discussions in Congress regarding the preservation of the tax exemption for municipal bonds. This exemption serves as a
As the regulatory landscape of municipal securities evolves, an ongoing debate has emerged regarding the fee structure imposed by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB). Dealer groups have voiced their concerns about the perceived inequities in the current fee system, particularly emphasizing the financial strain imposed on dealers compared to municipal advisors (MAs). In responding
In response to the destruction caused by recent wildfires in the Los Angeles region, California State Treasurer Fiona Ma has introduced a new financial support mechanism aimed at assisting health facilities in need. The $2 million Emergency Wildfire Help Loan Program is a crucial response, designed to help impacted healthcare providers recover from disruptions caused
In a surprising development for state authorities, nonprofit organizations, and various stakeholders, a federal judge in the District of Columbia put a temporary stay on the Trump administration’s recent directive to freeze the disbursement of federal funds. This judicial intervention came just a few hours before the 5 p.m. deadline for the freeze, following an