Richard Williamson

Moody's Investors Service has raised its outlook to stable from negative on the University of Arizona as it prepares a $228 million debt issue at the end of the month.

Voters across Texas will consider passing more than $4.75 billion of bond proposals on ballots May 9.

Former Maverick County Commissioner Cesar Flores has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a bribery and bid-rigging scheme involving state highway funds. Fourteen others have been convicted.

Texas Tech University System earned an upgrade from Moody's Investors Service and prospects for another from Standard & Poor's based on its growing financial resources, strong brand recognition and enrollment increases across its four campuses.

In a marathon session that lasted all night Friday and well into Saturday morning, the Arizona Legislature passed a $9.1 billion budget that even some supporters said they regretted.

A bill authorizing issuance of $1 billion of pension bonds is beginning its journey through the Kansas House after winning state Senate approval. The bill is part of Gov. Sam Brownback's plan to patch a $600 million budget deficit.

Bondholders have authorized an $8 million increase in debt for a Glendale, Ariz., project designed to convert trash into energy. A dispute with the city has stymied the operation, leading to a five-notch downgrade from Standard & Poor's.

A bill that dedicates about $2.5 billion from vehicle sales taxes to non-toll highway projects is the first to win state Senate approval in the 2015 Texas Legislature.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican legislative leaders have reached agreement on a $9.1 billion budget that cuts higher education spending by 14% and delays plans to build a private prison.

Arkansas's February revenues ran 3% higher than the same month in 2014 and 7% above the budget forecast, according to state officials.

Kansas surpassed its revenue forecast for February by $22 million, bolstering Gov. Sam Brownback's position that tax cuts are leading to economic growth.

The Denver suburb of Littleton can no longer use tax-increment financing or eminent domain without voter approval after passage of a ballot initiative March 3.

Phoenix voters will consider a plan to fund $33 billion of transportation programs through 2050 with a 0.72-cent sales tax.

Tulsa Public Schools won 80% approval for its record $415 million bond proposal that will help the inner-city district compete with its suburban rivals.

LaSalle County, Texas, is trying to take over operation of a for-profit prison after the private operator quit its contract for the damaged facility.

Dallas will bring one of its largest refunding deals to market with $579 million of water and sewer bonds that carry ratings near the top of the scale.

A Texas lawmaker is seeking to ban the use of capital appreciation bonds in the state and require more disclosure about outstanding debt on bond ballots.

With nine bills in the Legislature seeking to curtail the development of turnpikes in Texas, opponents see a chance to alleviate "toll fatigue."

The Texas Transportation Commission authorized contracts for $2 billion of road and bridge projects, including $1.74 billion approved by voters Nov. 4.

Utah Sen. Kevin Van Tassel's bill to increase Utah fuel taxes by 10 cents per gallon is gathering support and clearing legislative hurdles as the Beehive State seeks to keep up with transportation needs.