In a special report all 50 states are graded on how well they manage the systems that deliver public services.
Alabama had the worst grades among the fifty states in 1999, with a D average. Its newly elected governor vowed there would be improvement and there has been. Alabamas grade in the current survey rose in four of the five areas the GPP covers. True, the state still weighs in with a C- average hardly a candidate for the deans list but the important thing is the movement.Four states led the nation in 1999 with average grades of A-. They were Missouri, Utah, Virginia and Washington. Missouri and Virginia slipped a bit, but Utah and Washington remain at the top of the list and Michigan has joined them there.
Thanks to Governing.com
FULL STORY: Grading the States 2001

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