Far West

The Los Angeles Unified School District’s decision to create task forces aimed at cutting costs to avoid a projected $333 million deficit in 2017-2018 is a credit positive, according to Moody’s

Hawaiian economists forecast slow but steady economic growth through 2018.

The Casper, Wyo. City Council last week approved plans for an $8.5 million redevelopment of the city's downtown.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board's proposed rule changes to lengthen its board members' terms to four years from three has garnered general support from dealer and advisor groups as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Investor Advocate.

Washington State's projected costs have increased by nearly $700 million since the legislature approved the 2015–17 budget in June, leaving the state facing a more than $400 million shortfall.

A California tax board responsible for handling $48.5 million, representing 24% of state revenue in fiscal 2013-14, is placing money in the wrong accounts and failing to collect debts, according to the controller’s office.

Despite strong revenue numbers, the California Legislative Analyst's Office cautioned legislators against increasing spending on programs that could be hard to maintain if an economic downturn occurs.

Some Alaska officials, facing persistent low oil prices that could threaten the state’s triple-A rating, say it needs to change the way it does business, which may include new taxes and changes to the way it handles its large financial reserves.

A proposed California ballot initiative could limit financing for the state's major infrastructure projects, Fitch Ratings says.

New Ways and Means Committee chair Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Texas, said on Wednesday that he plans to solicit the views of House members on tax reform over the next few months.