Tax reform

Sen. Collins said a partial restoration of the SALT deduction will help get her vote for tax bill.

The muni market was buzzing with activity on Tuesday, as issuers rushed to sell bonds that may no longer be allowed next year.

Bond lawyers are weighing how they should approach certain muni deals.

A busy week got started Tuesday, with deals flowing in as the specter of tax reform plagues the primary municipal market and issuers rush to market with sales that may no longer be allowed next year, creating an opportunity for buyers.

With roughly two weeks to negotiate a final tax bill, using the amendments would avoid a formal conference and could save private activity bonds.

Public school districts with bonds are feeling a new urgency to try to refinance their bonds before the potential passage of a new federal tax bill.

Halting tax-exempt advance refundings at the end of the year, as proposed by both pending tax bills, would increase issuers’ costs, deprive them of savings for new projects, and push some to enter into swaps that could increase their risk.

Republicans can only afford to lose two votes when the tax overhaul bill comes to the Senate floor.

The California Debt Limit Allocation Committee wants to allocate $900 million in remaining private activity bond capacity.

The impact of tax reform is on the minds of all participants in the municipal bond market. The Bond Buyer’s Washington Bureau Chief Lynn Hume joins Contributing Editor John Hallacy in breaking down what the House and Senate plans will mean for state and local governments as well as the effect it will have on underwriters and dealers, bond counsel and financial advisors. Hosted by Chip Barnett.

Kansas City, Missouri was banking on private activity bonds for a "significant" role in the airport financing.

While muni advocates may have an opportunity to defend private activity bonds and deductions favorable to the market, both Houses of Congress appear to be aligned on banning advance refundings.

The House approved its version of tax reform by a vote of 227-205.

Even though tax bills would have a PAYGO problem, Republicans may have the upper hand.

Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn told The Bond Buyer he will fight to keep PABs in the final tax reform bill when the Senate and House Republicans negotiate their differences next month.

Ennis Rep. Joe Barton is rallying to prevent the GOP's sweeping tax revamp from costing the city of Arlington millions of dollars on its voter-approved plans to finance the new Texas Rangers ballpark.

It may take 60 votes in the Senate to decide if the tax bill is subject to the PAYGO Act.

Smaller not-for-profit hospitals and systems lack the access to taxable debt markets enjoyed by bigger systems.

Without tax-exempt private activity bonds, charters would have to turn to more expensive and restrictive capital sources.

Repeal of the health mandate would increase healthcare costs for state and local governments.