The Impact of Debt Management Policies on Borrowing Costs Incurred by U.S. State Governments

Abstract

This study empirically examines the impact of debt management policies on borrowing costs incurred by U.S. state governments when issuing debt in the municipal bond market. Based on positive political theory and the benefit principle of taxation, it is proposed that states that adhere to best practice debt management policies transmit signals to the credit ratings, investment community and taxpayers that the government should meet its obligations in a timely manner, resulting in lower debt costs. As a result of a multi-block multivariate regression model the implication of adhering to debt policies aimed at promoting transparency results in a borrowing cost savings in terms of true interest cost (TIC) of close to $8,000 for every $1,000,000 of debt issued (-.769, p<.10). However a comprehensive debt policy is not a significant indicator of borrowing costs. These results suggest a product of a pull push process between the economic forces of the bond market on one hand and politics on the other, pulling the administrative function toward efficiency in the former and democratic values of responsiveness and transparency in the latter. The problem lies in policies that respond to the bond market but virtually exclude any other community interest in policy making. It is recommended that openness in government and allowing taxpayers to understand government services are essential goals in ensuring responsible citizen oversight and providing taxpayers the opportunity to be less likely to propose restrictive initiatives or force dramatic political or management changes through the electoral process or bond referenda.