Far West

California Gov. Jerry Brown released a $98 billion spending plan Wednesday with no sign of a deficit, incorporating plans for a new structure for transportation bonds.

The stream of new appointments to fill downstream positions created by death of long-time U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye continues.

The Alameda Transportation Corridor Authority secured a trio of Single-A ratings ahead of plans to refund $290 million in senior revenue bonds.

California Department of Veteran Affairs' $1.23 billion of general obligation and revenue debt will remain rated AA-minus by Fitch Ratings, and they will also keep a negative outlook.

California's revenues for December came in more than 1% above estimates in the budget, according to Controller John Chiang.

Chicago-based investment bank William Blair has expanded its presence in California by hiring veteran public finance bankers Cheryl Hines, Ken Gillespie, and Jeff Pickett.

The IRS is auditing $49.67 million of general obligation bonds issued by the Oregon State Board of Higher Education in 2006.

Preserving tax exemption for municipal bonds is a top priority for states, governors said Wednesday.

The Internal Revenue Service's National Taxpayer Advocate is urging Congress to make tax reform its highest priority and to simplify the federal tax code by reassessing the need for every tax expenditure, including the exclusion of tax-exempt municipal bond interest from income.

Los Angeles City Council will vote Wednesday on whether to ask voters to approve $3 billion in bonds for street repairs.