Attention is being focused on a recently established interest group, the American Legislative Exchange Council, which is helping coordinate policies - primarily conservative policies - across the states. It has helped drive tort reform, opposition to health care reform and environmental regulations, and the balanced budget amendment.
Obviously with that agenda, people are polarized about it's influence on the states, but it has emerged as a leading source for much of the legislation that has been promoted through the states.
Here are a handful of links related to the group. Some of my 2301s will see a written assignment based on these, something that ties the subjects of federalism, elections and interest groups together. My 2302s might want to read through some of these stories to get an idea about the origins of legislation.
- ALEC Exposed: The Koch Connection.
- ALEC: Democracy's Arch-Nemesis.
- Koch, Exxon Mobil Among Corporations Helping Write State Laws Across U.S.
- Who's Really Writing States' Legislation?
- Right-wing group brings together pols & corps to write 'model bills'
- ALEC’s influence in West Virginia
