According to a new study conducted by the University of Hong Kong and Indiana University, the top ten most corrupt states in the nation are:
- Mississippi
- Louisiana
- Tennessee
- Illinois
- Pennsylvania
- Alabama
- Alaska
- South Dakota
- Kentucky
- Florida
The method behind this study involved the examination of over 25,000 convictions of public officials for violations of federal corruption, spanning from 1976 to 2008. The states on the list tend to have higher levels of state spending than those not on the list, leading researchers to argue that buckling down on state-level corruption may reduce state spending in a way that does not sacrifice public services.
…corruption on the state level is costing Americans in the 10 most corrupt states an average of $1,308 per year, or 5.2% of those states’ average expenditures per year.”
Increased demands for accountability among government officials, as well as increased transparency on high cost federal projects, could help citizens keep a little money in their pockets.
Read more here- “The 10 Most Corrupt States in the U.S.,” (Christopher Matthews, Fortune Magazine)
Olivia is a graduate of Villanova University where she studied Economics and History, minoring in Gender and Women's Studies. She also has experience working with federal legislatures on health care policy, women's issues, and Internet safety.
