Wisconsin

Moody's Investors Service issued a report on Wednesday that examined the local governments and school districts that rely on federal employment, procurement, Medicare reimbursement and education grants that would be most affected by sequestration.

At least 11 small Wisconsin cities -- who approached the federal government's Build America Bond program with a skeptical eye and stuck with flexible redemption provisions – may act on their options due to federal subsidy cuts.

Milwaukee will take competitive bids on $200 million of notes and bonds Tuesday to raise funds to smooth out cash flow and finance capital projects.

Wisconsin will test a new bidding requirement in its $435 million competitive sale next week by setting a minimum coupon on the final five maturities of the 20-year paper.

Wisconsin-based WPPI Energy will sell $180 million of new-money and refunding power supply system bonds to fund projects including environmental upgrades and transmission improvements.

The Wisconsin Department of Administration announced Wednesday the hiring of Kevin D. Taylor to fill the position of capital finance director left vacant by Frank Hoadley's retirement.

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.