Municipal bonds have been essential to funding U.S. infrastructure projects, benefiting public facilities like hospitals, schools, and transportation systems through their tax-exempt status since 1913. 

With the upcoming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in 2025, the future of this tax exemption faces uncertainty as policymakers explore ways to manage budget deficits. Removing the exemption could significantly raise borrowing costs, hinder infrastructure investments, and place added financial strain on taxpayers. 

While alternatives like public-private partnerships and Build America Bonds exist, they present notable complexities and drawbacks. The preservation of tax exemptions for municipal bonds is critical to fostering local autonomy, stimulating economic growth, and maintaining cost-effective infrastructure funding. 

Finsum: Removing this protecting this framework could reduce sustainable development and support for communities across the nation.