Far West

California heads to Wall Street this week to borrow for the first time since the most-populous state earned a credit-rating boost in January, as buyers push its debt close to the strongest in more than four years.

A dozen Senate Democrats and an Independent lawmaker have re-introduced a bill that would impose a minimum 30% tax on high income tax payers who earn more than $1 million as a way to help reduce the ballooning federal deficit.

Three Standard and Poor's analysts speaking in the wake of federal sequestration cuts said that public power utilities, water and sewer entities, and the transportation sector should all remain fairly stable for the next year despite a number of pressures.

The IRS' TEB office released a new check list form that will be required for a voluntary closing agreement program submission request.

The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act has been touted by many as a crucial funding source for major projects, but most states have never used the program and say it has little value for them.

California Controller John Chiang said February revenues came in almost on track with estimates in Gov. Jerry Brown¹s proposed budget.

Illinois has settled securities fraud charges with the Securities and Exchange Commission for misleading investors about its approach to funding its pension obligations.

Two northern Virginian House Democrats have introduced legislation that would authorize the study of an expansion of the Washington Metrorail deeper into the commonwealth.

Los Angeles Department of Power estimates it will need to issue bonds for two-thirds of the projected $1.8 billion a year in capital improvements needed for both its power and water systems.

The House approved legislation on Wednesday to fund the government after current authorization expires March 27, over the objections of transportation advocates upset that it would cut millions in highway and transit spending.