CHICAGO (S&P Global Ratings) July 11, 2016--S&P Global Ratings assigned its 'AA' long-term rating to Wisconsin's series 2016B and series 2016C general obligation (GO) bonds. We also affirmed our 'AA' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the state's existing GO bonds. The outlook is stable. "The 'AA' rating on Wisconsin's GO bonds reflects our view of the state's demonstrated ability to make midyear budget corrections and moderate-to-moderately high debt burden," said S&P Global Ratings credit analyst Carol Spain. Other factors include its: Governmental framework supportive of credit quality, with a constitutional balanced-budget requirement and a statutory provision that gives GO debt service the first claim on state revenue; Economic and job growth rates that have persistently lagged the nation,
