This breaking NPR two part report I think is a must read/listen and I would love to know if people know much about ALEC’s history in Vermont.  My understanding is that a number of VT legislators are members.  

—

By Laura Sullivan

“When you walk into the offices of the American Legislative Exchange Council, it’s hard to imagine it is the birthplace of a thousand pieces of legislation introduced in statehouses across the county.

Only 28 people work in ALEC’s dark, quiet headquarters in Washington, D.C.  And Michael Bowman, senior director of policy, explains that the little-known organization’s staff is not the ones writing the bills. The real authors are the group’s members – a mix of state legislators and some of the biggest corporations in the country.

“Most of the bills are written by outside sources and companies, attorneys, [and legislative] counsels,” Bowman says.

Part 1: Prison Economics Help Drive Ariz. Immigration Law

http://www.npr.org/templates/s…

Part 2: Shaping State Laws With Little Scrutiny

http://www.npr.org/templates/s…