How Do We, the 99%, Defeat Alec?

[lonestarnot]

By Toby:

Who or What is ALEC?

On their website ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit describes itself thusly. "With more than 2,000 members, ALEC is the nation's largest, non-partisan, individual public-private membership association of state legislators." In practice, ALEC is the place where conservative lawmakers and corporate representatives gather to discuss what kinds of laws these potential donors would like to see passed. Corporate and special interest members pay millions of dollars per year to have a seat at this non-profit table. They also quite helpfully draft model legislation and simple guides to complex issues to help lawmakers know how they should feel about various issues.


Any of these ALEC chestnuts sound familiar?


"For any legitimate contact made by an official or agency of this state or county, city, town or other political subdivision of this state where reasonable suspicion exists that the person is an alien who is unlawfully present in the United States, a reasonable attempt shall be made to determine the immigration status of the person." - ALEC Model Legislation "No Sanctuary Cities for Illegal Immigrants Act"

ALEC member AZ Sen Russell Pearce brought his ideas on immigration to the group for a good polishing before introducing SB 1070. Then they helped spread the joy around the country.

Is this who you want making our laws? Come learn more.



Tuesday, November 29th


Arizona Community Event

South Mountain Community College

7050 S. 24th Street, Phoenix, Arizona

602-243-8000

Contact: Barbara Kutnick

602-243-8284
(office)


Program

6:00 pm - Welcome - Catered buffet style dinner will be provided

6:15 pm - Welcome and Introductory remarks by Hon. John Loredo,
former State Representative

6:20 pm Video Presentation provided by Cuéntame and Brave New Foundation -Need to confirm with Axel

6:30 pm Interactive Panel Presentation on the American Legislative Exchange Council

Panelist will focus on ALEC's undue political influence on a national and state level, and the role that ALEC plays in the Arizona Legislature. Panelist comments will be brief, and then the panel will be open for community participation.


Moderated by Doug Clopp - Common Cause

* Lisa Graves - Center for Media and Democracy

* Marge Baker - People for the American Way

* Hon. John Loredo

* Sheri Van Horsen - President, AFSCME Local 3111

* Rebekah Friend - Executive Director AZ AFL-CIO

* Michelle Ringuette - American Federation of Teachers


7: 15 pm -Given all that we have learned about ALEC's undue influence, coordinated infrastructure, and power; how can states like Arizona fight back? How can a progressive agenda be advanced successfully?

Comments provided by Randy Parraz, Co Founder and President of Citizens for a Better Arizona that coordinated the successful recall election of ALEC stalwart Sen. Russell Pearce.

7:25 - Community Breakout discussion

Panelists and participants will break into small groups focused on specific policy areas that ALEC model legislation is affecting adversely. For example: Immigration, Labor, Public Education, Voting Rights, Environment, and Campaign Finance Reform.

8:30 - Community Report Back

9:00 pm - Adjourn


Wednesday, November 30th

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Press Conference - Voices of Arizona

Arizona State House


Master of Ceremonies - Hon. John Loredo

* Immigration Rights activist - Dream Act- AZ SB 1070

o Lilia Alvarez

* Private Prisons

o Caroline Isaacs - American Friends Service Committee

* Public Education advocate - Possibly asking the AZ Teacher of the Year

o Doug Kilgore, AZ NEA will identify

* Labor -

o Rebekah Friend , AZ AFL-CIO will introduce Cindy Chacon, and Frank Piccolli, AFSCME 2960

* Voter ID -young student leader

o Mi Familia Vota?

* Small Business advocate -

o Todd Landfried, Arizona Employers for Immigration Reform

* Faith Leader -Rev. Trina Zell?

Research

A joint report is almost finished. The report will contain a current list of Arizona legislators that are members of ALEC's policy task forces, and analysis of ALEC legislation in Arizona, a list of Arizona ALEC connected corporations, and summary of the money that member of ALEC's Corporate Enterprise Board have spent in Arizona over the last ten years.

=================================================================

Next DFA-MC meeting, Wednesday, Dec 7th at 6:30pm. We will have several speakers including Gordon Posner speaking on the Separation of Church and State and discussion about openings on the Maricopa County Community Colleges Governing Board.



The Old Spaghetti Factory

Central, South of McDowell, Phoenix






DFA-MC
P.O. Box 19762,


Fountain Hills, AZ 85269.

602-741-9581

[Zorra]

1. Raising awareness of this 1% anti-democratic organization is a big step.

Thanks. recommended

[Angry Dragon]

2. They should be investigated under the RICO ACT

[saras]

3. That's a good start. They should also be interfered with in every possible legal way.

Anything that makes their job harder and less effective is good for the country.

[izquierdista]

4. By making him RECALLED AZ Sen. Russell Pearce.

One down, 1,999 to go.

[lonestarnot]

5. 1999 + to go!

[annm4peace]

6. inform others

Check on ALEC EXPOSED and see if your state Senators and Reps or Assembly members are members. Call their office.

See what bills they are co authoring or authoring.. are they ALEC related ? Write letters to the editors. Send emails of what you find out to your local Democratic parties

Post comments the online newspapers. Write articles in your local groups. Make flyers with the local info on local ALEC members and pass them out at events.

If they they are having meetings in your city, have a protest and call the news.


Expose them, Expose them, Expose them.

http://www.alecexposed.org/wiki/ALEC_Exposed