NASHVILLE (AP) - Tennessee officials who met with ratings agencies in New York on Thursday say they were there to reinforce the state's sound financial footing rather than to ask for improved ratings.

Republican Gov. Bill Haslam said the annual visit was part of an ongoing effort to remain in close contact with ratings agencies Moody's, Standard & Poor's and Fitch.

Haslam noted that during last year's visit, the state had ended the budget year with a surplus, but had declined to spend the extra money on programs. This year's visit comes after a year in which revenues came up short, but the governor and lawmakers made the adjustments needed to balance the budget.

Tennessee is rated at AAA with two agencies, and AA-plus with the third.