Louisiana

Fitch Ratings moved New Orleans's GO debt outlook to negative from stable due to pension problems and mandated public safety spending.

Louisiana State Bond Commission approved $200 million of bonds for local governments and state college projects.

Louisiana can issue $800 million of state GO bonds over the next two years without busting a constitutional cap on debt service.

Louisiana Bond Commission will decide on $37 million of sales tax bonds for a retail development in Livingston Parish.

Louisiana’s looming tax amnesty will generate the $200 million needed to balance the fiscal 2014 budget, revenue secretary says.

Louisiana environmentalists say Gov. Bobby Jindal opposes a levee district's lawsuit because oil and gas interests contribute to his campaigns.

The Internal Revenue Service is auditing $196.94 million of revenue refunding bonds issued by East Baton Rouge, La., sewage commission in 2006.

Louisiana's coastal protection agency is officially opposed to a multi-billion dollar lawsuit brought by a levee district against oil companies.

Refundings by local governments approved Aug. 15 by the Louisiana State Bond Commission cut debt service by almost $900,000.

The Louisiana state agency responsible for coastal protection may ask for dismissal of a levee district lawsuit seeking billions of dollars as damages from oil companies.

A New Orleans levee district suing oil companies for billions of dollars in coastal damages offered to suspend the suit if the state proposes an alternative compensation plan.

Louisiana State Bond Commission wants to look at its options for a planned state GO refunding later this year, including private placement.

Municipal bond issuance in the Southeast dropped nearly 12% to $30.7 billion in the first half of 2013. Sales were down in eight of the 11 states comprising the region.

Environmentalists urge Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal to back a lawsuit seeking damages from oil and gas operations.

Louisiana Treasurer John N. Kennedy came close to throwing his hat into the 2015 governor's race but declined to set a deadline for a decision.

Louisiana is relying on revenue generated from a two-month tax amnesty period beginning in September to help balance the fiscal 2014 budget.

Louisiana will pay $16 million of swap fees in an $82 million refunding deal approved by the State Bond Commission.

Louisiana State Bond Commission will consider a proposal for a $82 million refunding of state gasoline tax bonds issued in 2009 as Build America Bonds.

Storm-damaged Charity Hospital would become New Orleans City Hall under Mayor Mitch Landrieu's $271 million proposal.

Louisiana refunded $663 million of tobacco settlement revenue bonds Tuesday to avoid an unfavorable market from Friday's jobs numbers.