Southwest

A strong investment portfolio means that the Texas Permanent University Fund will continue to grow even after oil prices lost half their value in 2014, according to Moody's Investors Service.

For Texas political leaders, the state's southern border represents a combustible mix of political and economic issues in 2015. For the bond industry, the border is a blend of opportunity and economic limitations.

With drought still troubling some Texas urban areas, utilities are confronting the problem with innovative technologies, according to a special report from Fitch Ratings.

Houston and Harris County's economic surge from the energy sector is slowing and could go into decline, according to Moody's Investors Service analysts led by Adebola Kushimo.

After two years of growth accelerated by $100-per-barrel oil, Texas will get a chance to show its underlying economic strength as energy prices weaken, state leaders and bond industry executives plan to tell The Bond Buyer's Texas Public Finance Conference.

Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback cut $44.5 million for K-12 public schools and higher education as the state Legislature approved cash transfers to close a $344 million budget deficit.

After record savings on a $1.68 billion refunding deal, the Central Texas Turnpike System has earned a one-notch upgrade to A-minus, Fitch Ratings analyst Casey Cathcart said.

Two leaders of the Texas Senate support a bill that would finance transportation construction with a portion of the tax on automotive sales.

Arkansas started 2015 with a 7.8% year-over-year increase in January net revenues, keeping growth for the current fiscal year 2.2% ahead of schedule, according to John Shelnutt, head of economic analysis and tax research for the state.

Kansas revenue officials said that greater-than-expected income tax refunds contributed to lower-than-expected revenues in January, extending the $279 million shortfall for the current fiscal year.