Jim Watts

A group of Austin business executives and lawyers have formally asked the state for $25 million of funds each year over the next 10 years to cover costs associated with a series of Formula 1 auto races at a track under construction in southeast Travis County.

Higher contribution rates from employees and the state as a result of legislation that was passed earlier this year should reduce the unfunded liability of Kansas’ largest pension fund by $3.5 billion through 2033.

Revenue collections in July totaled $437.5 million, up 16% from July 2010, the Kansas Department of Revenue said last week. Collections topped expectations by $23.3 million.

A group of Little Rock residents have formed a political action committee, dubbed $500 Million Tax - Too Much, to oppose Mayor Mark Stodola’s proposal to raise the city’s sales tax rate by 1% to fund capital projects.

Arizona’s general fund collections rose 11.6% in fiscal 2011, ending an unprecedented three-year span of consecutive declines.

DALLAS - A proposed $748 million capital improvement proposal for East Baton Rouge Parish, La., will proceed despite the refusal by a majority of parish commissioners to consider the plan, Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden said Thursday.

DALLAS - A $748 million capital improvement plan for East Baton Rouge Parish was rebuffed on Wednesday when the Metropolitan Council refused to consider a request by Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden to set a November election date.

The final official analysis of Kansas' fiscal 2011 general revenue shows collections of $5.88 billion in the year that ended June 30, up from $5.19 billion in fiscal 2010.

The infrastructure set to be financed with East Baton Rouge Parish’s proposed $748 bond package is vital to public safety and security, Mayor-President Melvin "Kip" Holden said Monday in a briefing at the Baton Rouge Press Club.

DALLAS — Louisiana Treasurer John Kennedy Tuesday night will hear from opponents as well as backers of a proposed $1.2 billion, 424-bed state academic medical center in New Orleans.

Travis County voters would decide Nov. 8 on a $205.6 million general obligation bond program for roads and park projects if commissioners accept the recommendations presented last week by a citizens committee.

Trustees of Oklahoma County Independent School District No. 52 last week set an election for Sept. 13 on a request for $90.5 million of bonds. The board also approved a list of projects to be financed with the proceeds.

Gov. Susana Martinez said New Mexico’s unemployment compensation trust fund should remain healthy through 2012, more than 12 months longer than originally projected.

The commission set up to look into faster ways to bolster the finances of the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System convened last week for the first of 10 meetings. The 13-member commission is to recommend solutions to the 2012 Legislature.

The two largest Arkansas state pension funds, which provide benefits to more than 55,000 retirees, last week reported investment returns of more than 20% in fiscal 2011.

DALLAS - The Louisiana State Bond Commission on Thursday approved the sale by the East Baton Rouge Sewerage Commission of $202.5 million of variable-rate revenue bonds.

DALLAS - Debt issued by charter schools in Texas can be enhanced by the state's Permanent School Fund under a measure signed into law Wednesday by Gov. Rick Perry.

DALLAS - The Dallas Independent School District has halted bond-financed renovations and upgrades at eight schools due to lower-than-expected enrollment.

A bill signed last week by Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal will complete the final $160 million of financing for two segments of Interstate 49 North that will connect Shreveport to the Arkansas line.

DALLAS - The Texas Water Development Board could have up to $6 billion of outstanding bonds that finance projects across the state if voters approve a proposed constitutional amendment on Nov. 18.