TOPEKA – S&P Global, a worldwide credit rating agency, announced it has improved its credit outlook for the State of Kansas to ‘positive’ from ‘stable,’ citing Governor Laura Kelly’s efforts to close the Bank of KDOT, balance the state budget, pay off KPERS debt, and achieve record-low unemployment rates.

KEY QUOTE: “This is great news for Kansas’ budget and economic outlook, making it even more likely that our state will be seen as a smart investment. It is clear that we have put Kansas back on track by growing our economy and paying off debts. I will continue to promote fiscal responsibility and cut taxes for working families in a way that maintains a balanced budget.”
– Governor Laura Kelly

Here’s what they’re saying:

“Having Kansas getting improved marks for its credit outlook is a sign that adults are again in charge of the state and its finances. The successful stewardship shown by Governor Kelly and her administration stands in stark contrast to the way our state was perceived by markets during the reckless and tumultuous failed tax experiment implemented by the previous administration.”
– Chris Courtwright, Principal Economist for the Kansas Legislature

“Governor Kelly inherited a state whose credit rating was downgraded four times prior to her administration.  The recent improvement in Kansas’ credit rating to “positive” is a testament to the Governor’s strong commitment to fair and adequate budgets to support state government.  Governor Kelly’s steady leadership in common-sense budgeting means that Kansans will save money as we invest in or highways and infrastructure.”
– Donna Ginther, Director of the Institute for Policy and Social Research, University of Kansas

“The upward revision in our outlook from stable to positive is a clear sign that our steadfast efforts to restore the state’s fiscal health are working. S&P’s review points to healthy stabilization fund balances and consistent structural balances as strengths in our outlook, reinforcing the Governor’s position of looking across the horizon when building this year’s budget. With continued budget stability, Kansas will be poised to see a well-deserved credit rating upgrade in the near future.”
– Adam Proffitt, Budget Director and Acting Secretary of Administration