LOD: Koch Bros., Coca-Cola & ALEC

The American Legislative Exchange Council brings together corporations (from Koch Industries to Coca-Cola), conservative state legislators, and rightwing think tanks to fabricate model bills that advance their common interests: reduce government regulation and taxes; increase the transfer of wealth from average Americans to the super rich. ALEC working groups, research memos and draft bills push for predatory lending and against EPA regulating greenhouse gases, for restricting access to voting and against living-wage standards for workers. A treasure trove of 800 model bills has just been uncovered by the Center for Media and Democracy, and the Los Angeles Times provides good examples of how the bills ripple through state legislatures, often without being linked to the shadowy organization – but they’re backed up with millions in campaign contributions by ALEC members. Common Cause is challenging the organization’s claim on its IRS reports that it does zero lobbying. You’re invited to sign Common Cause’s petition calling on the IRS to investigate ALEC for misusing its tax-exempt status.