Muni Think

Given the magnitude and condition of U.S. infrastructure and the Federal push to "level the playing field" by expanding the availability of tax-exempt finance for public-private partnership procurements, the U.S. is poised to become a very active and substantial P3 market.

Texas’ biggest city takes a modestly positive step regarding its pension issues, while Connecticut is a notable underperformer in the most recent price data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Some pension obligation bonds can create a visible and fixed repayment plan to tackle the unfunded pension liability monster that is stealthily growing underneath the budget table of many state and local governments.

This week’s commentary starts with a review of Lumesis’ DIVER Geo Scores, highlighting the strongest and weakest states.

The dialogue over tax reform provides an opening for state and local governments to educate members of Congress and their staff about municipal bonds, how they work and what they do.

Circumstances have changed and a different approach to Puerto Rico debt is warranted.

Doubts as to the quality or effectiveness of Indiana's intercept program are misplaced.

Congress should end Puerto Rico's exclusion from federal bankruptcy protection — but it's unfair to leave the territory's existing creditors in the lurch.

There are few lay-ups in muni bond investing, but jettisoning buy-and-hold for dynamic tax management may be one of them.

Discussion at a recent industry panel addressed possible impacts of the global economy on U.S. states and describe additional metrics to watch to monitor health of municipal pensions.