We all better start sampling cat food or looking at other states for retirement options:
- Though Illinois took steps in the last year to address its fiscal crisis, including a temporary hike in the corporate and personal income tax rates, the steps did not lift the ratings on its debt.
As the state prepares to take $800 million in general obligation bonds to market next week, two of the three major credit rating agencies kept their ratings the same and one downgraded its rating a notch, which means Illinois continues to lag most other states. The bond issue will help finance school, transportation and other capital projects.
Moody's on Friday downgraded the state's rating from A1 to A2, still investment grade, but in the middle of that range.
Nothing about this inspires confidence in anything coming out of Springfield.