From bond insurance to municipal ratings reform, MuniMarket Pulse podcasts address a variety of municipal topics
Municipal Bond Market News/Research
Online Sources Provide Continuing Coverage of Bond Insurance News
The municipal bond insurance industry is in a state of flux; visit these online resources to stay on top of current news.
States Poised to Withstand Economic Challenges
The overall credit trend for states is stable despite a general slowdown in the national economy, according to Robert Kurtter of Moody’s Investors Service.
“The Bond Blogger” Promotes Discussion of Todays Municipal News Stories
The Bond Buyer recently launched a blog that focuses on news impacting the municipal bond industry.
Rating Agencies Offer Public Access to Municipal Bond Credit Ratings, Reports
The three bond rating agencies – S & P, Moody’s, and Fitch – each provide information and reports relating to credit ratings, actions, criteria and news free of charge, though access to their full product line and upgraded services require a subscription.
Public/Private Partnerships Allow Governments to Provide Services with Increased Efficiency: An Overview of Privatization Trends
Privatization – providing government services through public/private partnerships – has become a growing trend in the municipal arena. Leonard Gilroy, editor of the Reason Foundation’s Annual Privatization Report, shares his insights on privatization as a strategy for increasing the efficiency of government services.
GASB Looking for Input on Proposed Reporting Rules for Derivatives
In an effort to improve the financial reporting of derivatives by state and local governments, the General Accounting Standards Board (GASB) has issued a preliminary draft of new disclosure requirements. GASB also recently posted a “plain language” article – written specifically for users of financial statements – that explains derivatives and the proposed reporting requirements in easy-to-understand terms.
Record Month for State Revenues in California
Apparently, April was a good month for the state of California, which took in a record $11.3 billion in income tax collections. Now lawmakers are trying to decide how to best use this money.
Striving for Online Excellence – Part 1: Function
Increasing government accountability, educating citizens, and providing financial disclosure are among the key functions of today’s best municipal web sites. This first installment in MuniNet Guide’s “Striving for Online Excellence” three-part series examines these and other objectives of top-notch state, county and local government sites.
Rockefeller Institute Says State Finances in Best Shape Since 2001
The Rockefeller Institute reports that state finances were in better shape in 2005 than in recent years thanks to a healthier overall economy. The Institute’s annual fiscal survey showed that eleven states adjusted their tax levels, with seven actually reducing taxes.