Southeast

"The upgrades reflect our view of Louisiana's demonstrated commitment to improving and maintaining reserves above levels that we consider very strong," said S&P.

The Fortress Investment Group-backed Brightline now anticipates carrying 4.9 million passengers between Miami and the Orlando airport.

Separately, Fitch raised Orlando's $159.87 million of Series 2017A senior tourist development tax revenue bonds, 6th-cent contract payments, to A from BBB.

Since Gov. Ron DeSantis took office in 2019, Florida has paid down $5.3 billion of state debt, or about 25% of the Sunshine State's total debt.

"The muni AAA [high grade] curve has been relatively steady thus far in March, but lags relative to the broader fixed income market after sizable muni outperformance in February," said J.P. Morgan strategists. 

The bill allows local governments to bypass public bidding and notice requirements in current P3 law.

The state's February general revenue collections came in $30.62 million below official estimates. but total collections for fiscal 2024 are $428.1 million ahead of forecasts.

"The risk of future budgetary pressure is further elevated due to pension contributions falling short of their actuarially determined contribution amounts in each of the past three years and a relatively high level of unfunded pension liabilities," said S&P's Rob Marker.

"In Kentucky, we're working hard to ensure our place as a leader in economic development, and this growth in exports shows our efforts are succeeding," said Gov. Andy Beshear.

"When you add everything in this document up, it demonstrates you can make smart investments when you budget wisely, trust the market rather than try to dictate it, and empower your citizens more than you empower the government," said Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp.