NY -- Standard&Poor's CreditWire 7/25/97 -- Standard&Poor's has raised its rating on the State of Minnesota's $2 billion outstanding G.O. debt and $12.8 million taxable G.O. debt to triple-`A' from double-`A'-plus. The distinctive triple-'A' rating is Standard&Poor's highest possible credit rating. In addition to the upgrade, Standard&Poor's has assigned its triple-'A' rating to Minnesota's $215 million G.O. state various purpose bonds due 1998-2017 and $11 million taxable G.O. state various purpose bonds due 1998-2007. The ratings outlook is now stable. The rating upgrade reflects Minnesota's extremely strong financial position and fiscal management with established reserves that should be sufficient to maintain the creditworthiness during a future economic downturn. Other rating factors include
