Southeast

"The muni AAA [high grade] curve has been relatively steady thus far in March, but lags relative to the broader fixed income market after sizable muni outperformance in February," said J.P. Morgan strategists. 

The bill allows local governments to bypass public bidding and notice requirements in current P3 law.

The state's February general revenue collections came in $30.62 million below official estimates. but total collections for fiscal 2024 are $428.1 million ahead of forecasts.

"The risk of future budgetary pressure is further elevated due to pension contributions falling short of their actuarially determined contribution amounts in each of the past three years and a relatively high level of unfunded pension liabilities," said S&P's Rob Marker.

"In Kentucky, we're working hard to ensure our place as a leader in economic development, and this growth in exports shows our efforts are succeeding," said Gov. Andy Beshear.

"When you add everything in this document up, it demonstrates you can make smart investments when you budget wisely, trust the market rather than try to dictate it, and empower your citizens more than you empower the government," said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.

High rates and high inflation, coupled with rich reserves, pushed off or delayed issuers coming to market in 2023, noted James Pruskowski, chief investment officer at 16Rock Asset Management.

Analysts say states can avoid short-term issues as a result of strong reserves but some may face challenges over the longer term.

Six financial institutions may be placed on West Virginia's restricted list if they are found "boycott" the fossil fuel industry, Riley Moore said.

Extreme weather could aggravate growing property insurance pressures on governments.