It’s been a bad year for advocates of ranked-choice voting reforms.
State Battles Over Ranked Choice Voting Reveal Shifting Fault Lines
By Juliana Broad | at
ALEC
An Ex-Con Promoted Campaign Software at ALEC’s Annual Meeting
By Juliana Broad | at
Just before the American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual meeting in July, a former Oklahoma legislator and convicted felon reached out to ALEC state chairs to market a campaign data management platform favored by the Republican National Committee (RNC).
Heavy Hitters and Big Business Bankroll RAGA
By Juliana Broad | at
The Republican Attorney Generals Association, which represents conservative state attorneys general and has coordinated attacks on unions, reproductive rights, and consumer protections, received over $6.3 million in the second quarter of 2024, according to tax filings obtained and reviewed by CMD.
ALEC Pushes Anti-Union Playbook
By Juliana Broad | at
State lawmakers seeking to dismantle unions and implement anti-worker laws have just been handed a new state-by-state roadmap by the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the corporate-funded bill mill popular with Republican legislators.
For-Profit Bail Industry Teams Up with ALEC to Target Charitable Bail Funds
By Juliana Broad | at
ALEC is helping the for-profit bail industry push legislation in four states to restrict or outright eliminate charitable bail funds, which provide those unable to afford bail with enough cash to avoid being imprisoned while awaiting their day in court.
ALEC Legislator Proposes Law to Take Away Voters’ Ability to Choose Presidential Electors
By Juliana Broad | at
A legislator affiliated with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) who served as a fake elector from Arizona during the 2020 presidential election is proposing legislation that state lawmakers — not voters — should get the final say on choosing Arizona’s presidential electors. The bill’s sponsor, state Senator Anthony Kern (R-27), is currently under investigation […]
ALEC’s Stand Your Ground Laws Have Created a Deadly Culture of Shoot-First Vigilantism
By Juliana Broad and Alice Herman | at
In early October, a Florida state senator introduced legislation to repeal the state’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” law allowing individuals to use deadly force in self-defense outside their homes. Florida was the first state to enact such a measure, and in the 18 years since its passage, studies have shown that more Floridians are dying because of it.
Lawmakers à la Carte: How ALEC Sells Access to State Legislators
By Juliana Broad | at
It’s no secret that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) offers its corporate sponsors a variety of options for buying access to state lawmakers. Now, new documents reveal just how much — or little — it costs.
Tobacco Giant Altria Buys Access to ALEC Lawmakers, Urges Deregulation
By Juliana Broad | at
Big tobacco had a big presence at last month’s 50th annual ALEC meeting: tobacco giant Altria bought access for two lobbyists to speak directly to state lawmakers – at least half a dozen of whom serve on their state’s health policy committees – during ALEC task force meetings in Orlando.
Nearly 500 ALEC Lawmakers Have Voted to Ban Abortion
By Juliana Broad | at
One of every three state lawmakers working to further restrict abortion rights since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year is affiliated with the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), an analysis by the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) reveals.