South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley cited the Center’s State Integrity Investigation Wednesday night in her State of the State address, pledging an ethics reform process to improve the state’s dismal grades. The Palmetto State ranked 45th among the 50 states, with an overall grade of F from the state integrity project, a collaborative initiative of the Center, Global Integrity and Public Radio International. South Carolina also got an F in nine of the 14 specific categories weighed as part of the investigation.
The grades have generated a push for changes in the state. As a result, four separate panels are holding hearings and readying recommendations for reform legislation: one appointed by Gov. Haley; one Senate committee, and two House panels, one formed by each party.
Watch the relevant portion of Haley’s address at the 1:20 mark above.