On Tuesday, Texas lawmakers took a significant step towards implementing a universal school voucher program, encapsulated in Senate Bill 2. The bill emerged from the Senate Education Committee after a lengthy period of public testimony, revealing a divided opinion on the initiative. Proponents argue that the program could enhance educational choices for families, while opponents
Politics
The recent memorandum issued by the White House has created a stir among various sectors reliant on federal funding. On a chaotic Monday night, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) distributed a missive that suggested a “temporary pause” on all federal grants and loans, which was met with significant concern from local governments and
The current debates within the Republican party regarding the budget reconciliation bill are crucial to understanding the future of tax policy in the United States. With a tightly held Congressional majority, the GOP finds itself at a crossroads, facing the daunting task of extending the significant provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) is set to convene for its second quarterly meeting of the 2025 fiscal year on January 29 and 30, 2024. In light of modern shifts in industry practices, one of the main focal points will be efforts to simplify the submission process for new issue disclosures and discussions surrounding
In a striking move just prior to the commencement of the legislative session on February 3, Governor Joe Lombardo of Nevada announced the replacement of his budget chief, Amy Stephenson, with Tiffany Greenameyer. This decision has stirred discussions among lawmakers as they prepare to tackle the contentious budget proposal from the governor. With Greenameyer stepping
The political landscape of Texas is brimming with complexities, particularly in the realm of fiscal policy as revealed by the recent budget proposals introduced by the Republican-controlled Texas House and Senate. The strategies outlined for the upcoming biennium raise significant questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of Texas’s approach to taxation and funding, especially in
The inauguration of President Trump was marked by a wave of executive orders that sent shockwaves across various sectors, particularly in infrastructure. Among these orders was one aimed at halting federal grants intended for local transportation projects, eliciting a strong backlash from House Democrats and apprehension from state transportation officials. This initial move not only
Louisiana’s recent tax reforms hold significant implications for its financial health, addressing a projected budget deficit while also introducing a host of uncertainties. This article delves into the outcomes and considerations surrounding these policy changes, as reported by major credit rating agencies including Fitch Ratings, Moody’s Ratings, and S&P Global Ratings. The analysis will explore
As the Trump administration sharpened its focus on the country’s pressing housing issues, efforts to reform and enhance the existing frameworks became pivotal. The emphasis has been directed chiefly toward expanding mortgage bond availability and reassessing the financial thresholds associated with Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTCs). This shift reflects a concerted attempt to confront
In recent months, the municipal bond market has been facing a significant upheaval with the emergence of discussions surrounding the potential elimination of tax-exempt bonds. This anxiety is no longer speculative; a 51-page document detailing proposed budgetary measures has surfaced, revealing a sweeping agenda from the House Ways and Means Committee. For those involved in