Midwest

Detroit's CFO said the $380M structural deficit that remains unsolved in Mayor Dave Bing's proposed $1 billion 2014 budget is actually good news because the deficit is "increasing at a decreasing rate."

The Illinois Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a direct appeal of a Circuit Court decision leaving intact a state overhaul of retiree health care benefits.

Minneapolis-based Fairview Health Services and South Dakota-based Sanford Health have canceled discussions over a possible union due to mounting opposition in Minnesota.

The Ohio Treasurer and eight legislators are pushing a new bill that would require political subdivisions, including the state, to post more information on outstanding bonds when asking voters to approve new borrowing.

The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago plans to sell up to $450 million of new-money and refunding bonds as it finalizes financing plans for a $550 million replacement facility.

Instead of repealing the tax-exempt status, we need to rebuild the economy by reinvesting in our infrastructure that will ultimately create jobs. One of the best ways to do this is through low-cost borrowing at the local level.

Indianapolis comes to market Tuesday with $42 million of lease revenue bonds that mark the final piece of a financing for a massive new $734 million public safety net hospital located in downtown Indianapolis.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced plans to launch a social impact bond program, an alternative financing mechanism that taps private investment to fund social services goals.

The Illinois State Toll Highway Authority will sell $500 million of toll-backed revenue bonds next week in the agency's first market outing as it embarks on a $12.1 billion, 15-year capital program.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission has named its chief engineer Dave Nichols to serve as director of the Missouri Department of Transportation.