Southwest

DALLAS — Standard & Poor’s has placed the AAA-rated Irving, Texas, on CreditWatch for a possible downgrade as the Dallas suburb struggles to raise $170 million for an entertainment center adjoining its new convention center.

DALLAS — Testimony is expected to get under way Monday in a lawsuit by a consortium of 54 Kansas school districts seeking more state aid for education.

DALLAS — Moody's Investors Service has shifted the outlook on Dallas County's triple-A rating to stable from negative, citing surpluses in recent years and a low debt burden.

The El Paso, Texas, City Council last week approved a revised project list to be funded with proceeds from a proposed $468 million general obligation bond package going to voters Nov. 6.

Tulsa County, Okla., officials are considering a $340 million package intended to keep American Airlines and other aviation-related businesses at Tulsa International Airport.

The Oklahoma House gave its approval to a $6.8 billion budget for fiscal 2013 in a 52-to-42 vote Thursday after initially deadlocking 47 to 47.

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin said last week she would not call a special legislative session to resolve a dispute between House and Senate leaders over cuts in the top income tax rate.

A preliminary $2.3 billion budget for fiscal 2013 approved by Maricopa County, Ariz., supervisors last week reflects a revenue drop due to lower property tax valuations.

DALLAS — Development of the Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas-producing region of South Texas will have a $20 billion impact that is likely to boost credits for cities, counties and school districts in the area, researchers say.

DALLAS — The Oklahoma House decisively rejected a proposed $200 million bond issue for state capitol repairs late Wednesday as lawmakers bowed to arguments that the additional debt would be a mistake.