Commentary: Vos and model legislation from corporations

[ej510]

Source: The Journal Times

On July 13, the Center for Media and Democracy released to the public over 800 "model" legislative bills written in secret (and never before published) by members of the American Legislative Exchange Council. These bills were written by some of the largest global corporations, lobbying firms and conservative foundations in the U.S. with the assistance of elected state legislators - who then take the model legislation home for implementation.

As ALEC's model legislation is reviewed, a pattern emerged that until now was only suspected. The similarity of legislation proposed and passed in states like Ohio, Florida, Arizona, Michigan and Wisconsin could not be accidental - all have obvious connections to ALEC -approved legislation, with some bills submitted to state legislative boards verbatim from templates ALEC provides.

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ALEC bragged about its success in Wisconsin in a January press release, and nearly two dozen ALEC look-alike bills have been introduced by Wisconsin GOP legislators who are active ALEC members like Vos. It is hard to imagine Rep. Vos can't recall even one.

If Vos' alliance with ALEC is legitimate, why is it done in secret with no public or journalistic scrutiny? The people of Wisconsin have entrusted elected officials like Robin Vos to develop legislation that benefits the people's interests, not corporations, and to do so in the light of day without fear of corruption or undue influence. Vague and superficial denials by Vos will not suffice; the people of Racine County deserve better.




Read more: http://www.journaltimes.com/news/opinion/article_87ef37c4-b239-11e0-ae80-001cc4c002e0.html

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This is treacherous behavior.