Tax reform

Senate GOP leaders also aim to make the TCJA tax cuts permanent, which would raise the costs of tax reform unless a new scoring method is adopted.

The Bond Buyer's Caitlin Devitt and Kyle Glazier discuss the outlook for tax and infrastructure legislation.

Municipal market advocates plan to use the data to support the case to Congress for preserving the tax exemption.

As Republicans hash out their promised tax package, the debate over the bill's scoring method carries implications for tax-exempt municipal bonds.

The tax exemption appears to be in realistic danger as House Republicans seek to offset the cost of extending the Trump tax cuts.

Unfortunately, a vocal minority believes eliminating the longstanding tax exemption on local, state, and municipal bonds is one way to pay for extending tax cuts.

OMB director nominee Russell Vought said he supports allowing the president to redirect funding away from state and local governments, bypassing the congressional appropriations process.

The finally approved continuing resolution steers around the debate to raise the debt ceiling while funding repairs to the toll-supported Key Bridge in Baltimore, reimbursing DC for inauguration costs and transferring the RFK stadium site.

The future of key policies and upcoming budget battle tactics are taking shape based on several leadership changes and announcements in recent days.

Scott Bessent, a hedge fund manager and noted Trump ally, is nominated for Treasury Secretary.

Unless the state government makes changes to taxes or spending, there will be deficits of $587 million to more than $800 million starting in the next fiscal year.

Issuers and development advocates urged lawmakers to include advance refunding, the expansion of opportunity zones, and other muni prorities in any upcoming tax package.

Interest rates and federal elections hang heavy over the industry and municipal analysts believe certain muni sectors or subsectors will experience credit deterioration.

A new law creates a commission to recommend changes to address rising property tax bills and ensure the system is sustainable for local governments and school districts.

While some reliable options have emerged, market professionals remain hopeful the old advance refunding will return before the desire to bring it back loses any momentum.

California lawmakers have asked the state Supreme Court to block a ballot measure that would radically alter the state's tax structure.

Adjusting the deduction cap for state and local taxes is not included in latest proposals, though advocates for that measure remain hopeful.

The "no SALT no deal" Democrats appear ready to support the compromise reconciliation package negotiated in the Senate.

As infrastructure talks unfold in Washington, the likelihood of higher taxes may be waning, at least in the short run.

Donald Trump's departure from the White House will do little to heal the rift between the right and left, but this is still the best chance muni advocates have had in many years.