CHICAGO (Standard&Poor's) Oct. 1, 2009—Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed its 'AAA' rating on Minnesota's general obligation. The rating reflects our view of Minnesota's deep and diverse economy supported by several regional economic hubs and anchored by the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan statistical area, the center of the upper Midwest economy. "The rating reflects what we consider as continued strong management that remains committed to structural balance and maintenance of reserves while the state weathers through the current economic downturn," said Standard&Poor's credit analyst Corey Friedman. Low debt levels with rapid amortization and strong internal controls, which keep debt levels manageable, also support the rating. Despite feeling the impact of the national recession, Minnesota balanced its
