Wisconsin

As Wisconsin tees up its next general obligation sale, Gov. Scott Walker is facing push-back from fellow Republicans about increased borrowing proposed for the next two years.

Moody's Investors Service lowered Rhinelander, Wis.'s rating by three notches to A3 from Aa3 due to ongoing strains to its balance sheet.

The University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority hits the market Wednesday with a $263 million sale that will nearly double its modest debt levels to help finance a five-year $670 million capital program that includes a new off-campus facility.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker proposed a $68 billion two-year operating budget that cuts income taxes, bolsters transportation funding, and replenishes the state's exhausted authorization to refund general obligation debt.

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said Friday his next two-year budget will provide an $824 million boost in transportation infrastructure funding.

Refunding opportunities fueled a 36.3% surge in bond issuance among Midwestern borrowers last year as the steadfastly conservative region shied away from adding new debt in favor of shoring up balance sheets.

Wisconsin is readying up to $246 million of transportation revenue bonds as lawmakers tackle an agenda that includes funding for the state's pressing transportation needs.

Milwaukee County will price $140 million of taxable general obligation pension promissory notes Thursday to retire notes from a 2009 pension issue ahead of their bullet maturity at the end of the year.

Moody's Investors Service revised its outlook on Wisconsin Public Power Inc.'s A1 rating to negative from stable because plans for additional debt may strain the system's balance sheet.

Standard & Poor's has revised its outlook to stable from positive on Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity Ministries Inc.'s BBB-plus rating.

Wisconsin expects revenue collections in the next biennium beginning in July to grow by $1.5 billion above this biennium’s collections.

Moody's Investors Service revised its outlook on Milwaukee County's general airport revenue bonds to negative from stable due to recent declines in passenger levels at General Mitchell International Airport.

With underwriting desks back and investor appetites whetted after a lack of primary paper last week, Wisconsin jumped into the market with its taxable $251 million refunding.

Fitch Ratings revised its outlook on Milwaukee County's unlimited tax general obligation bonds and taxable pension note anticipation notes to stable from negative in recognition of the county’s ability to consistently balance operations.

A Wisconsin judge has refused the state's request to stay during the appeals process his ruling that overturned portions of a controversial law curtailing bargaining rights for most public unions.

Wisconsin will take competitive bids Wednesday on $302 million of general obligation bonds with a $250 million taxable appropriation-backed sale waiting in the wings.

Fitch Ratings hit Milwaukee with a one notch downgrade to AA as the city faces lingering economic stress with just restricted powers to raise revenues and limited reserves.

A state court ruling overturning portions of Wisconsin's controversial law curtailing collective bargaining rights could negatively impact local governments if it stands, Moody's warned.

Lawrence Nines, longtime leader of the Wisconsin Health and Educational Facilities Authority, is retiring after wrapping up several deals, including bonds for Marquette University and Froedtert Health.

A Dane County judge last week struck down portions of Wisconsin's law limiting collective bargaining rights, finding that it violated the rights of union members.