The Center for Public Integrity analyzed financial disclosure forms filed by state lawmakers in 1999. Because information filed in 1999 was for the calendar year 1998, we focused on the 5716 state lawmakers who were in office in 1998 for our examination of their and/or their family’s outside interests and activities.
Lawmakers holding the interests listed below may not necessarily have a conflict of interest. This exercise was intended to measure the potential for conflict in each state legislature.
Potentials for Conflict:
- Nationwide Snapshot
The Center for Public Integrity examined the private financial activities and interests of state lawmakers nationwide in 1998, and found dozens who stand to benefit from their legislative duties. Center researchers found:
25% sat on committees that regulated their professional or business interest
18% had financial ties to businesses or organizations that lobby state government
23% received income from a government agency other than the state legislature
Top Ten Lists:
- Committee Assignments
Listed below are the top ten states with the highest percentage of lawmakers profiled who sat on a legislative committee that regulates a business interest.
RANK STATE % 1 VA 61% 2 NC 59% 3 AR 55% 4 KY 44% 5 MS 42% 6 WI 38% 7 NY 38% 8 IN 37% 9 IA 37% 10 OH 36% Note: Lawmakers holding the interest listed above may not necessarily have a conflict of interest. The exercise was intended to measure the potential for conflict in each state legislature.
- Additional Government Income
Listed below are the top ten states with the highest percentage of lawmakers profiled received income from a government agency other than the legislature, in many cases working for agencies the legislature funds.
RANK STATE % 1 NJ 43% 2 RI 40% 3 OR 38% 4 AK 38% 5 MD 37% 6 WA 36% 7 LA 35% 8 TN 34% 9 NM 34% 10 NC 34% Note: Lawmakers holding the interest listed above may not necessarily have a conflict of interest. The exercise was intended to measure the potential for conflict in each state legislature.
- Financial Ties to Lobbyists
Listed below are the top ten states with the highest percentage of lawmakers profiled who had financial ties to organizations that lobby state government.
RANK STATE % 1 TX 50% 2 AK 42% 3 VA 41% 4 DE 40% 5 WA 38% 6 AZ 31% 6 NY 31% 8 MD 30% 9 OH 30% 10 AR 30% Note: Lawmakers holding the interest listed above may not necessarily have a conflict of interest. The exercise was intended to measure the potential for conflict in each state legislature.