Karen is a senior reporter covering the Southwest. She has covered the municipal bond market for more than 30 years at The Bond Buyer and Reuters. Prior to that she wrote about futures and options markets for magazines and was an award-winning reporter for a suburban Chicago newspaper chain.
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Oil and natural gas-related taxes and payments are driving projected increases in the state's general fund and stirring concerns about a future revenue drop.
By Karen PierogDecember 23 -
Arizona's second-largest city reported general fund surpluses in recent years, easing structural budget balance concerns that weighed on its ratings, Fitch said.
By Karen PierogDecember 21 -
The highly-rated city wants to pursue general obligation bond programs every five years to fund capital projects for its growing population.
By Karen PierogDecember 19 -
A previous measure prohibiting government contracts with companies that "discriminate" against the firearm industry fell short of passing the 2022 legislature.
By Karen PierogDecember 16 -
The Texas Attorney General's Office will announce by Jan. 13 whether Citigroup can continue to underwrite municipal bonds in the state under a 2021 law that prohibits contracts with companies that "discriminate" against the firearm industry.
By Karen PierogDecember 14 -
The Oklahoma Supreme Court will determine if bonds to initially fund a turnpike extension project are valid under state law.
By Karen PierogDecember 14 -
After an error in property valuation led to a $10.3 million revenue shortfall, Pearland, Texas, officials approved plans to restructure debt and help balance its fiscal 2023 budget.
By Karen PierogDecember 13 -
The hospitals are facing higher costs amid dwindling pandemic-related federal aid, although urban facilities are faring better than those in rural areas.
By Karen PierogDecember 12 -
Stratton Law Firm is working on a couple of high-profile municipal bond deals in Tempe and Mesa.
By Karen PierogDecember 6 -
Texas trails only Florida for first-time payment defaults on bonds issued for senior health and living facilities for seniors since 2009, according to MMA data.
By Karen PierogDecember 5