Standard&Poor's Ratings Services has assigned its 'AAA' general obligation (GO) rating with a stable outlook to the state of Minnesota's 2010D GO state various purpose refunding bonds and 2010E GO state trunk highway refunding bonds. The rating reflects our view of the state's: Deep and diverse economy supported by several regional economic hubs and anchored by the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan statistical area, the center of the upper Midwest economy; Continued strong management that remains committed to structural balance and maintenance of reserves while the state weathers through the current economic downturn; and Low debt levels with rapid amortization and strong internal controls, which keep debt levels manageable. We understand that the bond proceeds will refund various bond issues
