ALEC was behind multiple bills in the last Minnesota legislative session
A national nonprofit that’s drawn criticism for allowing corporations to write legislation directly with state lawmakers can be traced to bills introduced in Minnesota last session, including language that would shield large corporations from consumer lawsuits and undermine greenhouse gas reduction goals. The bills were revealed as Common Cause released a report on the influence of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which is financially supported by corporations like Koch Industries and Wal-Mart. At regular conferences, including one going on in New Orleans right now, these corporations draft corporate-friendly legislation that is approved by state legislators on legislative task forces and then introduced at state capitols across the country without disclosure that the business interests wrote them. “The work of ALEC shows how the Minnesota capitol is governed by corporate lobbyists instead of main street voters,” said Mike Dean, executive director of Common Cause Minnesota.
“„“The work of ALEC shows how the Minnesota capitol is governed by corporate lobbyists instead of main street voters,” said Mike Dean, executive director of Common Cause Minnesota. “Dozens of corporations are investing millions of dollars to write business-friendly legislation that is being passed into law without public knowledge and often at the expense of the public interest.”
- Voter Restrictions:(HF 89, SF 479) Bill that critics say would suppress voter turnout. ALEC legislation.
- Taxation of Moist Snuff Tobacco:(HF 1079)This bill, created by tobacco companies, would create a tax break for moist tobacco. ALEC legislation.
- **Cheeseburger Bill: **(HF 264, SF 160) This bill partially shields large food companies from consumer lawsuits. ALEC connection from Inside ALEC magazine.
- End Greenhouse Gas Emission Goals(HF 509) This bill opposes efforts to restrict the emission of greenhouse gases. ALEC legislation.
