There are several organizations that provide information about quality in governance. Since the beginning of Democracy Rising PA, we have relied on them to prove that Pennsylvania can have the best state government in America - because they prove that some other state already has the laws that we need.

We urge you to visit their web sites and learn about what other states are doing.

In 2008, the Better Government Association published its BGA-Alper "Integrity Index" comparing the laws in the 50 states on issues of:

• Freedom of Information (or Open Records)
• Whistleblower Protection
• Campaign Finance
• Open Meetings
• Conflict of Interest

The report ranks state laws and provides guidance for how to improve laws with "Best Practices."

The Center for Public Integrity in Washington DC also publishes reports that compare state laws and point the way toward higher standards of public integrity.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is another excellent resource for studies that compare state laws.

If you know how to research laws in other states, or other independent organizations that compare state laws, we need you. Please visit Citizen Action to contact us.