Wisconsin

Wisconsin will refund $132 million of transportation revenue bonds on Thursday, two days after state voters cast a decision on a proposed constitutional amendment that would bar future raids on the state's transportation fund for other expenses.

Wisconsin and its local governments face relatively low levels of fiscal pressure with a stable outlook due to distinct traits that aid in the maintenance of their health, Moody's Investors Service writes in a special report published Tuesday.

Wisconsin's Mercy Health System and Illinois' Rockford Health System plan to join forces as soon as December pending regulatory approval.

Wisconsin closed out its last fiscal year with a $517 million undesignated ending balance, the Department of Administration reported Wednesday in the state's annual fiscal report for fiscal 2014.

Wisconsin voters will vote next month on whether to amend the state constitution to ban the diversion of transportation fund revenues for other expenses.

Milwaukee will take competitive bids Wednesday on $125 million of revenue anticipation notes for the city's public school system.

Standard & Poor's has bumped Howard Young Health Care Inc. firmly into single A category with a two notch upgrade in recognition of tis strong financials and its parent's relationship with Ascension Health Alliance last year.

Milwaukee' cultural and entertainment venues need at least $445 million over the next two decades for capital improvements and to fund the public’s share of a new Milwaukee Bucks professional basketball arena, according to a task force report.

A projected $1.8 billion gap in Wisconsin's next two-year budget has Gov. Scott Walker on the defensive as he seeks re-election. Polls show whim in a tight contest with Democratic challenger Mary Burke.

Wisconsin's revenue collections fell about 2% or $281 million short of previous estimates, state officials reported late last month.

Facing pressure to approve a new tribal casino in southeastern Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker said his administration is proceeding cautiously in its ongoing review over concerns that the state could lose $100 million in payments from nearby tribal casinos.

Borrowing by Midwest issuers slid 13.2% for the first half of 2014 but new-money issuance fueled by Chicago and Illinois deals helped boost new-money by 16.8%.

Six major Wisconsin health care systems are forming a partnership aimed at lowering costs and improving care.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has upheld Gov. Scott Walker's controversial law that curbed most collective bargaining rights for public employees.

Wisconsin will refund $257 million of general obligation bonds Tuesday and may add another $56 million of forward delivery refunding bonds if the market cooperates.

Moody's Investors Service has revised Aurora Health Care Inc.'s outlook on its A3 rating to positive from stable in recognition of its improving performance.

Wisconsin is prepping more than $500 million in general obligation bonds for sale this summer beginning with a competitive issue for $255 million of new money Wednesday.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker participated in a "criminal scheme" to illegally coordinate fundraising and campaign activity among conservative groups fighting recall elections that targeted him and Republican state senators, state prosecutors allege in newly unsealed court documents.

Dane County, Wis., will take competitive bids Thursday on $84.5 million of general obligation bonds and notes for various projects including a new airport parking facility and landfill expansion.

The Madison Metropolitan Schools lost its top rating from Moody's Investors Service after a review prompted by the rating agency's shift in its local government general obligation rating methodology.