AUCTION-RATE SECURITIES are debts that mature 10, 15 or 20 years in the future, but which change hands frequently -- as often as every seven, 28 or 35 days. The interest rates on the securities change with each auction. Lately, bidders have been scarce or nonexistent for some of these auctions, drastically deflating the value of the securities.
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Health care spending rose by 15%, driven by higher prices. Officials say solutions are needed to prevent Minnesotans from being priced out or delaying care they need.