Southwest

A bill that dedicates about $2.5 billion from vehicle sales taxes to non-toll highway projects is the first to win state Senate approval in the 2015 Texas Legislature.

Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey and Republican legislative leaders have reached agreement on a $9.1 billion budget that cuts higher education spending by 14% and delays plans to build a private prison.

Arkansas's February revenues ran 3% higher than the same month in 2014 and 7% above the budget forecast, according to state officials.

Kansas surpassed its revenue forecast for February by $22 million, bolstering Gov. Sam Brownback's position that tax cuts are leading to economic growth.

The Denver suburb of Littleton can no longer use tax-increment financing or eminent domain without voter approval after passage of a ballot initiative March 3.

Phoenix voters will consider a plan to fund $33 billion of transportation programs through 2050 with a 0.72-cent sales tax.

Tulsa Public Schools won 80% approval for its record $415 million bond proposal that will help the inner-city district compete with its suburban rivals.

JPMorgan, ranked second among senior managers last year, is losing about six mid- and senior level public finance bankers through a mix of departures, retirements, and one cut, according to industry sources.

LaSalle County, Texas, is trying to take over operation of a for-profit prison after the private operator quit its contract for the damaged facility.

Dallas will bring one of its largest refunding deals to market with $579 million of water and sewer bonds that carry ratings near the top of the scale.