Fitch Ratings has assigned a rating of 'AA' to the commonwealth of Massachusetts' approximately $1.1 billion general obligation (GO) bonds, series 2008A.

The bonds are being issued for new money and refunding purposes, and are scheduled to sell through negotiation the week of Sept. 1. In addition, Fitch affirms the 'AA' rating on about $16 billion outstanding commonwealth GO bonds. The rating outlook is stable, the company said.