Corruption, waste, secrecy and mistrust threaten the American way of life. They cost you millions of dollars in hidden spending on those who profit from bad laws. Meanwhile, essential aspects of government - police, courts, schools, and many other services - don't get the support they need.

You have a right to trust your government to protect your interests as a citizen. When top concerns like health care and crime only get enough attention to "manage" the problems, but never enough attention to solve them, you lose trust. When real property tax relief is still only an election-year promise, you lose trust.

Every day, other states prove it doesn't have to be this way. They are the states with the best laws in America. And if they can do it, we can do it too.