Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has affirmed its 'A-2 ' short-term rating on Maryland Health&Higher Educational Facilities Authority's series C commercial paper (CP) program issued on behalf of Johns Hopkins Health System Obligated Group (JHHS) following the issuance of an additional $10 million of CP notes. The CP program is based on a bank liquidity facility from SunTrust Bank for principal repayment and JHHS for interest payment. The rating reflects the lower of our short-term ratings on SunTrust ('A-2') and JHHS ('A-1+') based on the application of our weak-link approach. USPF Criteria: Commercial Paper, VRDO, And Self-Liquidity, July 3, 2007 USPF Criteria: Bank Liquidity Facilities, June 22, 2007