...CHICAGO (Standard & Poor's) Feb. 23, 2016--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned its '##' long-term rating to Wisconsin's $297.685 million general obligation (GO) bonds of 2016, series A. We also affirmed our '##' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the state's existing GO bonds. In addition, we affirmed our '##-' rating and SPUR on the state's appropriation-backed bonds, as well as our 'A' rating on bonds backed by the state's moral obligation pledge. Finally, we affirmed our 'A-1+' rating on the state's GO commercial paper (CP) and extended municipal CP programs. The outlook, where applicable, is stable. "The '##' ratings on Wisconsin's GO bonds reflect our view of the state's governmental framework supportive of credit quality and demonstrated ability to make midyear budget corrections," said Standard & Poor's credit analyst Carol Spain. Other factors include its: + Moderate-to-moderately high debt burden, offset by a fully funded pension system and only an implicit...
