Tax reform

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.

Sen. Charles Grassley of Iowa's ask seems unlikely given that tax law originates in the House and incoming President Joe Biden's proposals to increase taxes.

These public finance supporters in both chambers of Congress include Democrats from Massachusetts, Maryland, and Alabama and Republicans from Mississippi, Ohio, and Texas.

PABs represented 25.4% of all tax-exempt bonds issued in 2017, up from 21.5% in 2016.

The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act continues to influence the composition of the municipal bond market.

Bank holdings in municipal securities continue to decline, as retail investors and mutual funds increase their holdings.

The evolution of muni advocacy has been in progression for years, though it was further galvanized by the shock and dismay at the 2017 tax reform.

The Chicago-based firm adds to the dealer group's voice as it pushes for muni policy measures that have been stalled for years.

Lawmakers are plowing through a pile of trailer bills, including two tax increases, that must pass to avoid blowing a hole in their $214.8 billion budget.

“State, local governments and their constituents need Congressional help," BDA said in new testimony.

Municipal bond issuance jumped 29.2% in February, and may climb further as the initial effects of the 2017 tax act fade.

The cap, repeal of which is a priority for state and local groups, will affect nearly 11 million taxpayers, an audit found.