Arkansas earned a D-plus on a national integrity study aimed at keeping government honest.
The state tied with six other states at 27th with a numerical score of 68 in the national State Integrity Investigation that was released Monday by a group of watchdog agencies. The highest scoring state is New Jersey with a B+.
Eight states received an “F” with Georgia ranking lowest with a 49.
Each Corruption Risk Report Cards is broken down into 14 “corruption risk indicators.” Arkansas received failing grades in public access to information and state pension fund management — but was given an “A” in internal auditing.
The scores were determined through interviews and research by journalists in each state. The goals include convincing state officials to improve their laws and inspiring public interest.