Sims celebrates state’s 10th credit upgrade

SPRINGFIELD - For the 10^th time in less than five years, Illinois has seen another improved bond rating. Moody's Investors Service - one of the nation's major rating agencies - announced upgrades Thursday thanks to the fiscally responsible decisions made by state democrats.

State Senator Elgie R. Sims Jr. - the Senate Appropriations Committee Chair and Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader - released the following statement:

"The 10^th rating upgrade is yet another sign the years of fiscal discipline and responsibility from the General Assembly is paying off. In recent years, we have been able to put money back in the pockets of the state's hardworking families, provide funding for the people who need the most help and pay down the state's bill backlog - all while dealing with economic uncertainty created by a hostile federal government. Illinois is a standout state when it comes to putting the needs of our residents first, and we do so in a responsible and equitable way.

"Moody's upgrade shows our fiscally responsible budgeting approach is working and is independent proof that our state is headed in the right direction. A rating upgrade isn't just something we get to tout - it's something that saves our taxpayers millions of dollars."