Standard&Poor's Ratings Services affirmed its 'A-1+' short-term rating on the Illinois Finance Authority's series 2000A bonds and the Michigan State Hospital Finance Authority's series 1999B1-2 bonds issued on behalf of Ascension Health, Mo. The rating is based on Ascension Health's self-liquidity. Ascension Health has committed several sources of funds -- including its short-term fund, long-term fund, and eligible equity investments -- to support its outstanding unenhanced variable-rate demand bonds (VRDBs) and serial mode bonds, windows, and traditional commercial paper (CP) program. As of Dec. 31, 2009, Ascension Health held more than $4.7 billion in cash, fixed-income, and equity assets. Ascension Health established both the long-term and short-term funds, which are managed by professional fixed-income and equity investment managers,
