Southwest

Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin asked lawmakers Monday to approve a bond issue to repair the deteriorating state capitol in Oklahoma City.

With its major tenant, American Airlines, in bankruptcy, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is taking advantage of low interest rates and a favorable tax ruling in a $450 million refunding.

Moody’s Investors Service affirmed its Aa2 ratings and stable outlook on Oklahoma’s $222.5 million of general obligation debt.

Sen. Harry Coates, R-Seminole, said lawmakers need to do their duty and authorize bonds to repair the Oklahoma State Capitol without waiting for a popular vote in November.

Kansas state revenues were $30.6 million less than expected in January due to more taxpayers filing electronically, which results in quicker refunds.

Arkansas Gov. Mike Beebe wants to use $30.5 million of the state’s $72.1 million surplus to help several agencies make it through fiscal 2012, which ends June 30.

The Arkansas Trucking Association plans to seek voter approval next year for an increase in the state tax on diesel fuel to finance highway construction projects.

DALLAS — Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin will propose an across-the-board cut in the state personal income tax rate at Friday's opening legislative session.

DALLAS — Alliance Texas, one of the most successful multi-modal inland ports in the nation, will suffer a blow to employment when bankrupt AMR Corp. closes its American Airlines maintenance base in Fort Worth.

DALLAS — A Texas teachers group is asking Gov. Rick Perry to call a special legislative session that would restore state aid to school districts by taking $2.5 billion from the state's rainy-day fund.