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.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Tuesday, February 5 2013 3:09 PM EST2013-02-05 20:09:54 GMT
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Millions and millions of people tuned in to watch the Super Bowl, and including our friends serving overseas. Thousands of Chicago-style pizzas were sent overseas Tuesday.
Former Groupon exec Jayna Cooke founded Closet Angels, a new organization that sells donated designer clothing and all the proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Former Groupon exec Jayna Cooke founded Closet Angels, a new organization that sells donated designer clothing and all the proceeds benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Thursday, May 23 2013 2:22 PM EDT2013-05-23 18:22:23 GMT
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
Things are going to be very busy at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport this weekend. Many travelers will also hit the roads for Memorial Day, and they'll pay the price at the pump.
FOX Business Network's Jo Ling Kent shared advice about a phishing scam traversing Twitter right now, that could be sitting in your direct message inbox. If you don't know where a link will lead you, don't click on it!
FOX Business Network's Jo Ling Kent shared advice about a phishing scam traversing Twitter right now, that could be sitting in your direct message inbox. If you don't know where a link will lead you, don't click on it!
Mommy beta blogger and home & family technology expert Natali Morris shared some quick tips to save cash on household costs this summer, like using a land line, smart appliances and cloth diapers.
Mommy beta blogger and home & family technology expert Natali Morris shared some quick tips to save cash on household costs this summer, like using a land line, smart appliances and cloth diapers.
David's Tea teamed up one of Chicago's hottest artisinal cocktail lounges, Chicago's Violet Hour, to create a new line of summer drinks! Lisa Tipton and Tyler Fry joined Good Day Chicago to explain.
David's Tea teamed up one of Chicago's hottest artisinal cocktail lounges, Chicago's Violet Hour, to create a new line of summer drinks! Lisa Tipton and Tyler Fry joined Good Day Chicago to explain.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:53 AM EDT2013-05-22 12:53:15 GMT
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
Illinois' congressional delegation has asked President Obama to add 16 Illinois counties to the list of those eligible to receive disaster aid after last month's flooding.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Redfin real estate agent and local housing market expert Jenna Smith answered your questions about pre-financial crisis prices, a good time to buy and what "comps" are.
On this week's Ask the Expert, Redfin real estate agent and local housing market expert Jenna Smith answered your questions about pre-financial crisis prices, a good time to buy and what "comps" are.
Yahoo is buying online blogging forum Tumblr for $1.1 billion as CEO Marissa Mayer tries to rejuvenate an Internet icon that had fallen behind the times.
After falling woefully out of fashion, Yahoo wants to be cool again while catering to the capitalistic demands of its shareholders. That goal led CEO Marissa Mayer to make a $1.1 billion bet on online blogging forum Tumblr...
A Chicago startup wants to make finding your lost items easier, with a new website and mobile app called "crowdfynd." Co-founders Jay Sebben and Pinaki Saha explained how they're helping relieve your anxiety.
A Chicago startup wants to make finding your lost items easier, with a new website and mobile app called "crowdfynd." Co-founders Jay Sebben and Pinaki Saha explained how they're helping relieve your anxiety.
WHBQ-TV | Fox 13 485 S. Highland St. Memphis, TN 38111
Main Station: (901) 320-1313 Newsroom: (901) 320-1340
(B64 / Wikimedia)
