News and Information from Bond Buyer

Economic expansion continued in most of the country from mid-February through the end of March, although the Atlanta and Kansas City Federal Reserve districts termed conditions "steady," according to the Beige Book, released by the Federal Reserve on Wednesday.

The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission a proposed rule governing the core conduct of municipal advisors, including their fiduciary duty to put the interests of state and local government clients ahead of their own.

Connecticut intends to issue its first all-green bond sale next week, $250 million to finance wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects statewide.

Pennsylvania's Public School Employees' Retirement System named state Rep. Glen Grell executive director effective May 1.

The municipal bond market primary continued to steal the spotlight as the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey offering was priced for institutions while the New York City Transitional Finance Authority held a second day of retail orders for its bonds.

The Texas House has approved House Bill 9 by Rep. Dan Flynn, R-Canton, increasing state employees' contributions to the state retirement pension fund by 2%.

A House and Senate conference committee will reconcile differences in their budgets after the Senate approved a $211 billion spending plan that exceeds the House’s version by about $1.6 billion.

Lawmakers on Senate Finance Committee tax-reform working groups should preserve the tax-exemption for municipal bonds and increase the bank-qualified bond limit, the Bond Dealers of America and affiliated coalitions said.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti took aim at earthquakes, drought and increased police protection in his State of the City speech Tuesday.

Ill. Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposed $2.2 billion pension reform plan needs a thorough review to determine its long-term impact and whether it runs afoul of federal rules ahead of any legislative vote, two Illinois lawmakers said.

With the forbearance agreement between Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority and its bondholders scheduled to elapse in hours, the two sides were arguing Wednesday about how the agreement should be continued.

The Providence, R.I., City Council will consider a proposal to borrow $57.7 million for upfront costs of a 1.6-mile streetcar line.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance is on pace to stop more than half a billion dollars of improper refund claims in 2015.

Los Angeles City Councilman Paul Krekorian introduced two motions Tuesday to mandate water recycling and protect the city's trees.

With at least 36 states facing water shortages this year, mayors across the country will be asking residents to make a commitment to conserve water and cut pollution by taking part in a national contest aimed at drastically slashing water and energy use across the nation.

Donald L. Anderson was appointed senior vice president in charge of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's business technology and building management functions, the Bank announced Wednesday.

Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said it lowered its long-term rating and underlying rating to A-plus from AA-minus on Grossmont Union High School District, Calif.'s general obligation bonds outstanding.

Indicator Last Report Forecast Actual Empire State Manufacturing March: 6.90 April: 7.30 April: -1.19 Industrial Production Feb.: +0.1% March: -0.3% March: -0.6% Capacity Utilization Feb.: 79.0 March: 78.7 March: 78.4 NAHB Housing Index March: 52 April: 55 April: 56

Builders' confidence in the market for new single-family homes grew as the National Association of Home Builders' housing market index gained to 56 in April from a downwardly revised 52 in March.

The municipal bond market on Wednesday is gearing up to take on the latest wave of new issuance as the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey deal is scheduled to be priced for institutions.