Far West

California lawmakers are considering two bills that would amend the fate of the state's redevelopment agencies that are facing termination on Feb. 1.

A federal court in New Jersey has approved a $24.9 million settlement between GE Funding Capital Market Services Inc. and the Securities and Exchange Commission over bid-rigging of municipal bond-related contracts, as well as the amounts of restitution to be distributed to each of the more than 325 state and local issuers that were defrauded.

The Treasury Department is urging Congress to put Indian tribal governments on a par with states and localities so they can issue both governmental bonds without the "essential governmental function" restriction and private-activity bonds.

SAN FRANCISCO — Oregon may have to give a cash infusion to a struggling alternative energy program with $229 million of debt outstanding to pay debt service backed with the state's general obligation pledge.

WASHINGTON — Major changes are in store for the House Financial Services Committee later this year, bringing some uncertainty for municipal securities and other markets.

WASHINGTON — A divisive labor issue that had stalled negotiations on a Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill has been resolved, and there is now a real possibility that the long-awaited legislation could land on the president's desk before the Jan. 31 deadline.

WASHINGTON — Moody's Investor’s Service is keeping its negative outlook on U.S. toll roads because of rising fuel prices, political hesitancy to increase toll rates, and a sluggish economy.

MONROVIA, Calif.—Three weeks after the California Supreme Court affirmed legislation eradicating the state's community redevelopment agencies, local officials are scrambling to figure out what it means for them.

California Gov. Jerry Brown placed the budget at the top of an ambitious agenda for the new legislative year during his state of the state address.

Infrastructure projects would acquire a new source of funds under a bill that would allow investors to make tax-deductible contributions to approved projects.