4 April 2018

Increased Costs of Municipal Financing

Unintended Consequences of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act

As you know, both corporate and individual tax rates were reduced in last year’s Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Lower tax rates make tax-exempt vehicles like municipal bonds less attractive to both corporate and individual investors; with lower tax rates, they have less incentive to look for tax-exempt investments.  Reduced demand for municipal bonds and other tax-exempt investment vehicles like private activity bonds (PABs) means that cities will have to increase the interest rates on new bond issues in order to attract investors.

On top of that, the new cap on the state and local tax deduction will make it harder for municipalities to raise taxes to pay for new infrastructure projects or smart city improvements.  Every state and/or local tax increase will be more expensive as taxpayers are limited on how much they can deduct from their federal taxes: every dollar over $10,000 will be taxed twice.

Not only will this increase costs for municipal governments, it will make it more difficult and more costly to finance the $1 trillion in private investment that the Trump Administration is advocating for in its infrastructure proposal. 

TFG will continue to monitor that debate and advocate for ways to reduce those financing costs.  Please reach out to our team for more information.

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Grant Due: FY 2023-2025 Residential Treatment Center Services for Unaccompanied Children

FY 2023-2025 Residential Treatment Center Services for Unaccompanied Children  

WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to provide temporary shelter care and other services to unaccompanied children by supporting eligible residential treatment center (RTC) care providers that specialize in the high quality care of children who have psychiatric or psychological issues that cannot be addressed in an outpatient setting and will require heightened behavioral and/or mental health support. Click here for more information.

WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Residential treatment center (RTC) care providers, including: state and local governments, special district governments, independent school districts, private, public, and state-controlled institutions of higher education, Federally recognized Native American tribal governments, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations, nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, and for-profit organizations, including small businesses and Faith based and community organizations 

TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $50 million

WHEN'S IT DUE? June 3, 2025

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US Congressional Calendar

9 December 2024

TFG Presents 2025 Congressional Calendar

The Ferguson Group (TFG) compiled a 2025 Congressional Calendar with session and recess dates for the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate 119th congressional session. 

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Chris Cummins

Chris Cummins

Legislative and Policy Director

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