Oklahoma

States nationwide saw slower general fund revenue growth in fiscal 2023 after gains the previous two fiscal years fueled by high inflation and federal stimulus.

The state's Council of Bond Oversight will once again consider $500 million of bonds for a controversial $5 billion Oklahoma Turnpike Authority expansion.

The Attorney General's office found the firm complies with a 2021 state law banning contracts with companies that "discriminate" against the firearm industry.

The eight-state region accounted for $38.5 billion in muni bond sales in the first half of 2023, with the lion's share coming from Texas.

The state treasurer's revisions, which shrank the list to six financial firms from 13, includes Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase and Wells Fargo.

The rating agency's release ESG credit indicators for states and territories last year was blasted by GOP officials for being politicized, vague, and confusing.

The bonds are part of an $814 million infrastructure funding package that includes an extension of a 0.95% sales tax also approved by voters.

The turnpike authority will now seek reapproval from the Oklahoma Council of Bond Oversight before it can head to the municipal bond market.

Mayor David Holt says the city and its NBA team can replace the Paycom Center with a bigger facility without raising taxes.

Energy-producing states are riding out oil and natural gas price swings that affect severance tax collections.

Utilities paid sky-high prices for natural gas and power during Winter Storm Uri, leading to the issuance last year of nearly $2.9 billion of bonds to cover those costs.

As the Oklahoma Supreme Court nears a decision on the validity of initial bonds for the turnpike's $5 billion project, property owners again raised objections.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court is considering the turnpike's application to jumpstart funding for a $5 billion extension project with $500 million of revenue bonds.

The state's attorney general called the move unconstitutional and warned that it will likely lead to costly litigation.

Texas Gov. Gregg Abbott plans a special session on school choice as more states pass vouchers and Arizona's universal program sees costs explode.

The state Supreme Court decided the lawsuit in the turnpike authority's favor, but it has yet to rule on the validity of bonds to finance a $5 billion extension.

The Legacy Capital Financing Act would give the state another option to fund capital projects after a delayed annual audit prevented the issuance of bonds.

Changes affecting the turnpike's board, which take effect Nov. 1, come as it awaits a court ruling on issuing initial bonds for a $5 billion project.

A tender offer and a debt service shortfall related to bonds issued in the wake of Winter Storm Uri popped up this month as its financial impact lingers.

The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority asked the court to approve $500 million of bonds to jumpstart funding for a $5 billion extension project.