Municipal Finance Caucus

Since the first municipal bond was issued in the United States by New York City in 1812 to fund the construction of a canal, municipal financing has played a critical role in our nation’s development and has set us on the forefront of commerce and investment. The funding source underpins the vast network of highways, hospitals, airports, bridges, telecommunications towers and other critical infrastructures that crisscross our nation, delivering essential services and uniting millions of Americans. Denver International Airport, Chicago’s Millennium Park, The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco are all but a few examples of iconic structures built through the power of municipal financing.

Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger and Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14), long time proponents of tax-exempt municipal financing, have accepted a call to action to address current threats to tax exempt municipal financing. In 2015, the pair co-authored a letter, garnering support from 120 of their colleagues, urging House leadership to protect the status of tax exempt municipal bonds. Since then, they have worked with state and local governments to educate other policymakers on the importance of the tax exemption.

On March 8, 2016, they founded the Municipal-Finance Caucus has grown to more than 20 bipartisan Members of the House of Representatives who continually engage the legislative process to ensure that states and local government have access to robust financing tools. The Municipal Finance Caucus allows its members and other policymakers to think strategically about empowering local government with ability to make decisions that promote infrastructure investment, job growth and economic prosperity.

The purpose of the Municipal-Finance Caucus is three-fold: First, to recognize the vital contribution that municipal financing has played in the evolution of the United States. Secondly, to protect a century’s old tax-exemption that has driven our economy, spurred job growth, funded critical infrastructure projects and enhanced the quality of life. And finally, using the legislative process to support an open forum where Members of Congress are able to discuss, identify and promote common sense policy solutions to strengthen municipal financing for all Americans.

Members of the Caucus believe that the key to a strong America lies in equipping and empowering local government with the tools to thrive.

Membership:

Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Maryland), Co-Chair
Randy Hultgren (R-Illinois), Co-Chair
Bruce Poliquin (R-Maine)
John Larson (D-Connecticut)
Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts)
Lynn Jenkins (R-Kansas)
Ron Kind (D-Wisconsin)
Steve Stivers (R-Ohio)
Terri Sewell (D-Alabama)
Derek Kilmer (D-Washington)
Dan Kildee (D-Michigan)
Luke Messer (R-Indiana)
Tom MacArthur (R-New Jersey)
Grace Napolitano (D-California)
Mark Takano (D-California)
Glenn Grothman (R-Wisconsin)
Tim Walz (D-Minnesota)
Ted W. Lieu (D-California)
Gerald E. Connolly (D-Virginia)
John Delaney (D-Maryland)
Doris Matsui (D-California)
Mia Love (R-Utah)
Bob Latta (R-Ohio)