Study says states need to do more to prevent risk of corruption
by Tim Anderson ~ April 2012 ~ Stateline Midwest »
The state of Nebraska grades out best in the Midwest in a new national study measuring the risk of 
corruption in all 50 states.
Headed up by the nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity, the study uses a set of more than 300 indicators to evaluate state laws, regulations and practices.
Nebraska was given a B-, a grade that placed it fifth-highest among the 50 states. The state was given particularly high marks in four categories: having an open and transparent redistricting process, a strong internal-auditing framework, an effective state budget process, and procurement policies that protect against “pay to play.”
In all, the center graded states in 14 different categories, many of which directly relate to the work of state legislatures. For example, grades for “legislative accountability” were based on conflict-of-interest rules in place for lawmakers, as well as public access to records on legislative proceedings and to the asset-disclosure records of members. Other indicators examined laws regulating the financing of political parties and disclosure requirements for lobbyists.
Three states in the Midwest were among the eight nationwide given an F in the study’s “Corruption Risk Report Card.” No state received an A.
