MuniLand

Texas State Representative Jerry Madden (R) describes how well-structured programs can help break the cycle of prisoner recidivism by improving family self-sufficiency. Some claim that voluntary home visitation programs can also yield long-term savings for taxpayers. Source: Pew Center on the States

Good Links

National Conference of State Legislatures: Overview of the President’s FY 2013 budget

Treasury: General explanations of the administration’s revenue proposals (Green Book)

Atlantic Cities: The geography of U.S. economic confidence

Changing Gears: States where immigrants are founding engineering and technology companies

Bond Buyer: Government groups urge Congress to reject 28 percent muni tax exemption cap

BlackRock: 2011 was a wild year for munis

Barron’s: Morgan Stanley waves investors toward longer-duration revenue bonds

Bloomberg: Philadelphia gas works sale may bring city $496 million gain

Reuters Legal: Jefferson County insurer Syncora says viability at stake unless sewer rates raised

Moberly Monitor: State legislature issues autopsy on failed Missouri sugar processing plant

@Twitter Talk

@blackrockusinvs Blackrock   State tax collections grow for 7th straight quarter. BlackRock reviews municipal bond market. bit.ly/fbWJ0O

@RightInRi Gina Catalano  Bottom Line – The states with the largest unionized work forces ow.ly/1GpIPN

@DimeoProperties Dimeo Properties  MT @Angel_Taveras: Highest paid City of Providence retiree left city job in 1991 making $63K. collects $196K because of COLAs.

@detnews The Detroit News   Michigan monitoring 48 troubled school districts struggling to control growing deficits detne.ws/yMRmTq

@Frank_McG Frank McGillicuddy  Municipalities want out if Kansas scraps defined benefit bit.ly/AbOfxB

@johngramlich John Gramlich  State report being released in CT today shows 80% (!) recidivism rate in state prison system.cour.at/Af4c1z

@lauraolson Laura Olson  PA Governor’s privatization panel meeting this afternoon at 1:30 p.m. — notice of the mtg went out to reporters a few minutes ago.