THE STATE'S CREDIT RATING IS BEING UPGRADED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN 20 YEARS. 

GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER SAYS PASSING THREE BALANCED BUDGETS IN A ROW, PAYING OFF OLD BILLS AND KEEPING UP WITH PENSION PAYMENTS HELPED MOODY'S INVESTOR'S SERVICE BUMP UP ILLINOIS' RATING.

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS EFFORTS TO INCREASE FISCAL STABILITY IN ILLINOIS ARE WORKING.

A HIGHER BOND RATING GENERALLY MEANS THE STATE CAN BORROW MONEY AT A LOWER INTEREST RATE, WHICH THE GOVERNOR SAYS ULTIMATELY SAVES THE TAXPAYERS MONEY.