ALEC – The Hidden Source Behind the Scene -or Why We Need to Make Our Voices Heard

Do you really think legislators are writing the bills they introduce?  Think again.  Have you ever wondered why Republican governors, representatives and senators almost always vote as a block, even on bills that would be detrimental to most individuals, small businesses and family farms?  

Look to the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), for an answer.  In ALEC’s own words, large and multinational corporations have…”a VOICE and a VOTEon specific changes to the law [sic] that are then proposed in your state. ..” (The Center for Media and Democracy, ALEC Exposed).   Disguised as the work of our lawmakers, members of ALEC generate so called “model” bills, that are little more than fill-in-the blank legislation with titles and descriptions that are meant to deceive. They are put forth in one state Capitol after another, frequently word for word, quietly advancing the agenda of big business and global corporations.

ALEC members vote long before election day. Their vote is in the form of writing legislation presented to us before we have input on an issue. They are a secretive nonprofit organization of conservative state legislators, big business, and global corporations.  They obscure how corporations [get] access and influence for which they’d otherwise be publicly scrutinized.” (Nick Penniman, “Outing ALEC: The Most Powerful Lobby You’ve Never Heard Of,” The American Prospect, Volume 13, Issue 12, July 1, 2002, p. 12).

Through ALEC state politicians and global corporations work to rewrite state laws that govern our rights, affecting almost every area of American life.  In effect, the words “establish justice” and “promote the general welfare,” found in the preamble to our constitution, are being ignored. Rather, influence of the rich and powerful and global corporations grows.

As of March 2019, ALEC claims its membership includes over 2,000 state legislators (“Public Sector Members”), almost exclusively Republicans, and “nearly 300 corporate and private foundation members.” (“Private Enterprise Members”).   They do not disclose the names of their legislative members.

Our legislators’ campaign with promises to represent us, when in fact there are other forces at work. We need to protect our democracy…We need to communicate with our legislators.

The attached are two links to in depth articles:  Source USA TODAY:

Abortion, gun control: How special interest groups push legislation    

Source Liz Mathis Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

(Reprint from April 2019)