Wisconsin State Rep. Marc Pocan (D) talking ALEC with Jennifer Granholm
Corporations aren't the only ones condemning the American Legislative Exchange Council, a growing number of state lawmakers are speaking out against the organization that has pursued an extreme right-wing, pro-corporate, anti-working-families agenda. To date, more than 15 former members of ALEC have left the organization and publicly condemned it.
Georgia, Sen. Nan Orrock
As a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council for several years, having joined ALEC with the primary goal of better understanding the corporate-dominated organization, I know first-hand that ALEC is not the innocuous organization it claims to be.
ALEC is underwritten by corporate dollars to push corporate financial interests that disadvantage middle-class and working families. This group enrolls state legislators to promote its radical legislation in state after state, creating the false illusion of public support for its dangerous agenda. ALEC promotes legislation that suppresses voter participation, undermines state budgets and services, and impedes democracy.
With my departure, Georgia’s delegation to ALEC can no longer claim to be bi-partisan. Any lawmaker who cares more about Georgia residents than multi-national corporations should leave the group. We need to be focusing on real solutions for our state, not fanning the flames of wedge-issue politics.”
Louisiana Rep. Greg Cromer
Cromer was the chair of the Louisiana chapter of ALEC.
Missouri Rep. Mike Colona
"Their agenda is radical and wrong for Missouri. I was a member and saw firsthand the sort of extreme legislation they push on state legislators around the country,” he said.
New Mexico Sen. George Muñoz
Announced that he was leaving ALEC in April, 2012.
Texas has had a group of legislators leave ALEC:
Allen said:
As a legislator, I value the input that non-partisan organizations contribute to various issues. However, I do not believe that the American Legislative Exchange Council is a non-partisan organization. Due to the legislation that ALEC has been involved in forming and promoting, I will not be renewing my membership. I value and listen to all opinions, but ALEC's agenda has become harmful to my constituents, and the people of the State of Texas."
Washington Rep. Kevin Van De Wege
I have decided to resign my membership from ALEC, effective April 11, 2012. As a legislator, my job is to represent the interests of all my constituents, not just those whose views align perfectly with mine. I have been a member of ALEC since I was first elected to the Legislature, and my very-limited participation enabled me to learn more about the organization’s legislative agenda and its stance on issues. I thought this insider’s view would help me to better understand those who do not agree with me politically, and in many ways, it has. However, my membership status is increasingly becoming a divisive issue this year, and I prefer to put my time and energy into efforts that unite our district rather than divide it.
Wisconsin Rep. Marc Pocan
See video above.
A number of Democrats are members of ALEC. Constituents and party officials in the states these Democrats represent should pressure them to leave and condemn the organization, as being a member of ALEC doesn't represent the will of the people of any district, much less one that elects a Democrat.
