News and Information from Bond Buyer

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.

Bipartisan bills on empowerment zone bonds and the ban on new Internet access taxes have recently been introduced in the Senate.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker's administration rejected a proposal pitched this week by the Menominee Tribe to cover $220 million in state funding for a new Milwaukee Bucks basketball arena in exchange for a new casino.

Moody's Investors Service upgraded Los Gatos, Calif.'s issuer rating to Aaa from Aa1 and its certificate of participation rating to Aa2 from Aa3, affecting $21.8 million in lease-backed debt.

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker named Mike Heffernan as his designee to the Pension Reserves Investment Management board, which oversees the $60 billion pension fund.

Fitch Ratings upgraded Vista, Calif.'s implied unlimited tax general obligation rating to AA-plus from AA and $111 million certificates of participation series 2007 to AA from AA-minus.

An appellate court ruling could mean increased financial pressure for cities that transfer revenue from electric utilities to general operating funds, Fitch Ratings warned in a report.

Newark, N.J. is selling 100 municipally-owned vacant lots to couples for $1,000 apiece on Valentine's Day in an effort to fuel development in some of the city's blighted neighborhoods.

The Missouri Senate will vote Thursday on legislation tightening limits on how much local governments can rely on court-related fines to prop up their operating budgets.

The Trinity Health Credit Group returned to the municipal bond market on Wednesday to sell its $894.75 million tax-exempt deal, a week after the offering was postponed due to unfavorable market conditions.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott's lack of board appointments to the Florida Development Finance Corp. calls into question its authority to issue bonds, including billions in debt it has agreed to issue.

Puerto Rico Gov. Alejandro García Padilla proposed a tax overhaul intended to reduce tax evasion and promote economic growth as the commonwealth looks to repair its finances and junk-rated credit.

Opponents of California's High Speed Rail project filed an appeal Monday challenging a ruling that favored federal jurisdiction over California environmental regulations on a segment of the line from Fresno to Bakersfield.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx warns states of cutbacks in federal highway funding if Congress doesn't pass a transportation bill by May 31.

Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder's 2016 executive budget features only modest spending increases and little borrowing as the governor continues to push lawmakers to support a sales tax increase to generate $1.3 billion in new road money.

Fitch Ratings believes there are significant challenges ahead for Puerto Rico as it pursues initiatives necessary to maintain a credit profile commensurate with its BB-minus general obligation rating.

Indicator Last Report Forecast Actual Treasury Budget Dec.: +$1.9B Jan.: n/a Jan.: -$17.5B

The federal government ran a $17.5 billion budget deficit in January, the Treasury Department reported Wednesday.

The Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday approved legislation that bond lawyers said would be helpful for nonprofit organizations.