Florida Circuit Judge John Cooper last week validated $1.5 billion of revenue bonds at the request of the Sunshine State Governmental Financing Commission, which sought $1 billion for capital projects and another $500 million for pension and other post-employment benefit liability financings.
The state-created commission, which does pooled financings for member cities and counties, has no immediate plans to issue debt from the new validation capacity, said program administrator Richard Dowdy.
Along with UBS' departure from the negotiated underwriting space, various firms have hired talent from both firms to increase their primary and secondary market presence. Many hope for some positive effects in both competition and secondary market liquidity as a result.
The bond plan, a key priority for Mayor Brandon Johnson, will be paid for with revenue gained by letting tax increment financing districts expire.
Moody's Ratings on Monday revised Illinois' outlook to positive from stable and affirmed the state's A3 issuer rating and the A3 rating on its GO debt.
"Bifurcated demand reflects the persistent bid strength from [separately managed accounts] and retail investors, not to mention more accounts marshaling cash and liquidity up front while the Fed perspective evolves," said MMA's Matt Fabian.
In a move that kicks the can down the road at the very least, the Commission has begun a process that often results in outright rejection.
The 2022 law, which has so far banned three major investment banks from underwriting municipal bonds in Oklahoma, could be amended to limit its reach to state agencies.
