New evidence shows the Kansas economy continues to grow
Sebelius comments on latest measures of Kansas’ economic growth

According to two independent financial rating agencies and new state revenue numbers, the Kansas economy continues to grow, creating jobs and income for residents and businesses.

Governor Kathleen Sebelius today talked about two recent measures of Kansas’ economic health: the upgrade to a stable outlook on the state’s bond rating by Moody’s Investors Service and monthly revenue figures that again exceeded projections.

“This is more good news for our state and clearly demonstrates we’re on the right track.  Kansas families and businesses are earning more, and our state’s finances have improved significantly over the past few years,” Sebelius said.

In a report issued yesterday, Moody’s Investors Service moved the outlook on Kansas’ bond rating to “stable.”  The firm cited the state’s “conservative budgeting practices” and continued revenue growth as reasons for the positive action.

The change in the assessment by Moody’s means Kansas’ bond outlook has been upgraded by both of the nation’s major financial rating agencies.  Standard & Poor’s moved Kansas off of negative watch last year, citing the state’s economic growth and the fact Kansas “has one of the nation’s lowest per capita debt ratios.”

“The analysts who study state economies clearly believe we’ve made good progress in recent years.  Thanks to actions to spur job growth, and the hard work of Kansas businesses and workers, we’re headed in the right direction and our economy looks like it will continue to grow,” Sebelius said.

Further evidence of the growing economy and the positive impact it’s having on family and business budgets came on Friday with the release of the September revenue figures.  Those figures again exceeded projections, driven by increased receipts from corporate and personal income.

“What we’re seeing is that Kansans are earning more money and that’s reflected in the revenue figures.  Since there has been no tax increase, the increased revenue is a direct result of families and businesses earning more,” Sebelius said.

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