The Chinese government on Friday approved a $1.4 trillion plan to revive the economy, authorizing local governments to refinance crushing debts that have left some cities unable to pay their bills. The move caps a series of steps that China’s leaders started rolling out in September to stimulate growth.

China top legislative body approved a bill on Friday to allow local governments to issue 6 trillion yuan ($838.8 billion) in bonds to swap for off-balance sheet or "hidden" debt over three years, as policymakers sought to spur the sluggish economy.

Policymakers approved a proposal to swap six trillion yuan ($840 billion) of hidden debt belonging to local governments