Standard&Poor's Ratings Services raised its rating on Maricopa County Community College District, Ariz.'s outstanding GO bonds to 'AA+' from 'AA' and assigned its 'AA+' rating to the district's $190.3 million series 2005A GO bonds. The raised rating reflects the district's continued strong financial performance and liquidity levels despite reductions in state appropriations during fiscals 2002 through 2004, combined with indications that state funding reductions will cease, at least in the near term. Additionally, the raised rating reflects the continued strengthening of the local economy, including very strong growth in the district's tax base. Other credit strengths in support of the rating include: A deep, diverse and expanding economic base encompassing the Phoenix ('AA+/Stable') metropolitan area; Strong financial policies
