NEW YORK (Standard&Poor's) Sept. 28, 2011-- Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has lowered the ratings on various Minnesota issuing entities in conjunction with our lowering of the rating on the state's general obligation (GO) bonds. On Sept. 23rd, Standard&Poor's lowered the GO rating on the state to 'AA+' from 'AAA'. The outlook is stable. See the related report on Minnesota published on RatingDirect on the Global Credit Portal on Sept. 23, 2011. RELATED CRITERIA AND RESEARCH USPF Criteria: Appropriation-Backed Obligations, June 13, 2007 USPF Criteria: Moral Obligation Bonds, June 27, 2006