Muni Think

Some local governments may require extraordinary financial assistance from the Commonwealth, adding to pressure on its general obligations.

The most recent Mortgage Delinquency Rates highlight a wide dispersion across the nation, while analysis of municipal bond ratios to Treasuries shows munis may not be a "cheap" as you thought.

The Tax Reform Act for Puerto Rico presented by Governor Alejandro Garcia Padilla is the significant change Puerto Rico needs to stimulate the commonwealth's economic development and confront the Island's fiscal challenges.

Don't be surprised if some of these proposals ideas pop up in whatever tax legislative vehicle might start moving forward later in the year.

Given the magnitude and condition of U.S. infrastructure and the Federal push to "level the playing field" by expanding the availability of tax-exempt finance for public-private partnership procurements, the U.S. is poised to become a very active and substantial P3 market.

Texas’ biggest city takes a modestly positive step regarding its pension issues, while Connecticut is a notable underperformer in the most recent price data from the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Some pension obligation bonds can create a visible and fixed repayment plan to tackle the unfunded pension liability monster that is stealthily growing underneath the budget table of many state and local governments.

This week’s commentary starts with a review of Lumesis’ DIVER Geo Scores, highlighting the strongest and weakest states.

The dialogue over tax reform provides an opening for state and local governments to educate members of Congress and their staff about municipal bonds, how they work and what they do.

Circumstances have changed and a different approach to Puerto Rico debt is warranted.