In recent months, the Texas Attorney General, Ken Paxton, concluded a 14-month examination of Wells Fargo’s business practices concerning its participation in the controversial Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). This scrutiny stemmed from the Texas state law enacted in 2021, which specifically targets financial institutions that opt to boycott industries such as fossil fuels. As an
Politics
As the clock ticks down to a potential government shutdown, concerns are mounting over the implications for states and municipalities reliant on federal funding. The collapse of the recent continuing resolution deal, intended to keep the government operational until mid-March, underscores the challenges that lie ahead. With key political figures, including President-elect Trump and billionaire
The Tampa Bay Rays’ pursuit of a new baseball stadium has become a pressing issue within Pinellas County, particularly following the acceptance of $312 million in bonds by the county commission. The agreement was initially hailed as a major milestone, but an old complication has resurfaced: the team’s renewed demand for additional government funding. The
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has reignited discussions surrounding the federal budget deficit. With suggestions of cutting certain tax-exempt bonds, specifically qualified private activity bonds (PABs), the proposal has sparked vigorous debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in various sectors. The implications of such a move, especially in the context of a
Oklahoma County is currently embroiled in a complex legal battle concerning the construction of a new jail facility, a situation that underscores the intricate relationship between local governance and community needs. With the county aiming to replace its dilapidated detention center, which has faced significant scrutiny for its health and safety issues, the path to
The dynamics of U.S. infrastructure investment and tax policy are entering a critical phase as we approach a new congressional session. As the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee gears up for action in 2025, the emphasis on bolstering roads and railways signals a significant shift in legislative priorities. The unfolding scenario is poised to bring
As the nation’s capital grapples with ongoing security threats, Washington D.C.’s leadership has turned to Congress with an urgent request for a significant boost to its budget for fiscal year 2025. The proposed budget seeks $932 million, marking an increase of $142 million from previous allocations. This appeal is actively championed by Rep. Dave Joyce,
California’s ambitious high-speed rail project, once heralded as a transformative mode of transportation, now finds itself in the crosshairs of political contention and financial scrutiny. As the nation prepares for a new presidential administration, the future of this significant infrastructure initiative hangs in the balance, raising critical questions about political influence, fiscal responsibility, and the
Connecticut is gearing up for an ambitious increase in its transportation borrowing strategy, as highlighted in the latest fiscal accountability report. The state aims to leverage federal funding resources to make significant, long-term improvements to its transportation infrastructure. State Representative Maria Horn, who serves as co-chair of the Connecticut House Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee,
The landscape of municipal finance is becoming increasingly perilous as a clash of interests looms over the future of tax exemptions for municipal bonds. With ambitious tax cuts, burgeoning deficits, and a cadre of billionaires advocating for government streamlining, municipal leaders are bracing for potential assaults on the tax-exempt status that underpins much of the