Missouri keeps AAA rating for $600 million in bonds

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri has retained its top grade for its $600 million in outstanding general obligation bonds.

Fitch Ratings recently graded the bonds as "AAA" with a stable outlook. The agency cited Missouri's conservative approach to assuming new debts and repaying existing ones, and its track record of balanced financial management.

But Fitch also noted that Missouri faces financial pressures for Medicaid, education and transportation while state revenues are falling.

Gov. Jay Nixon and some lawmakers have proposed issuing new bonds to pay for construction projects, particularly at state colleges.