Far West

The National Governors Association has hired Scott Pattison to be its new executive director and chief executive officer.

Greenhouse gas regulations could cause declines in Wyoming's employment and revenues due to lowered demand for the coal the state produces, a University of Wyoming professor said recently.

Hawaii's airport system received upgrades from two rating agencies and an improved outlook ahead of a $250 million bond sale.

The more than 250 amendments filed to the House's proposed six-year highway bill include a proposal to raise the federal gasoline tax by 15 cents.

The Administration has concluded that, as part of a comprehensive approach to Puerto Rico's crisis, a tested federal bankruptcy regime is necessary.

The IAH Public Facility Corp.' $49 million of bonds for a jail in Polk County, Texas, are one of a number of issues that have been audited by the IRS, which has claimed jail bonds are taxable private activity bonds.

Puerto Rico could benefit from a control board similar to what Congress implemented for Washington, D.C., said former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

Investment banking firm Rice Financial Products Co. has hired seven people to bolster its sales and trading operations and expand its footprint in California, Illinois, Texas and New York.

Justin Underwood will join Bond Dealers of America on Nov. 16 as federal policy advisor.

The Government Finance Officers Association's executive board recently approved two updated disclosure best practice documents designed to help issuers meet their bond-related disclosure requirements while considering the possibilities of website-based and voluntary disclosures.