Standard & Poor's has lowered Illinois' credit rating due to concern over the state's failure to address its $96 billion pension fund deficit.
The company said Friday that it downgraded Illinois' general obligation bonds from A to A-minus and has given an A-minus rating to $500 million in general obligation bonds that the state plans to issue in February.
Ratings agencies have been downgrading Illinois' credit over the last several years. Moody's Investors Services and Fitch Ratings both downgraded the state's credit outlook in recent months.
Standard & Poor's says that given the Legislature's track record, it doesn't think lawmakers will fully address the pension fund deficit. The downgrade could mean taxpayers will pay a higher interest when Illinois issues bonds to pay for construction projects or other major expenditures.
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Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Friday, May 17 2013 2:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 18:26:00 GMT
The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
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The Powerball jackpot has jumped again! An incredible $600 million is up for grabs, and officials expect it will increase even more before Saturday night's drawing.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Chicago born designer Samantha Sleeper is making a triumphant return home this weekend, to showcase her latest collection in the Gold Coast at her very own pop-up shop.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Thursday, May 16 2013 1:51 PM EDT2013-05-16 17:51:56 GMT
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
The Chicago Farmer's Market opened for business in Daley Plaza on Thursday, offering fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers to anyone who stops by the downtown set-up.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
You can save thousands of dollars on your yard projects in just a couple of weekends, even if you haven't tried working on it before! FOX consumer reporter Steve Noviello shows you how.
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Former "Charlie's Angel" Jaclyn Smith is celebrating 28 years with Kmart by launching her new outdoor living line. She explained you can bring the comfort of the indoors outside by "shopping your way."
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
Wicker Park and Bucktown are hosting their very first Wed Local Expo at the Double Door. Couples can plan their weddings using local businesses. Chamber of Commerce president Stephanie Sack explains.
(B64 / Wikimedia)
