Laws Ghostwritten by Conservative Group, Activists Say
Several bills before the 2012 General Assembly resembled model laws proposed by the American Legislative Exchange Council, a politically conservative think tank funded by major corporations.
By Mechelle Hankerson Capital News Service RICHMOND – On issues ranging from tax credits for private school tuition to a homeowner’s right to kill an intruder, several bills before the 2012 General Assembly resembled model laws proposed by the American Legislative Exchange Council, a politically conservative think tank funded by major corporations. Liberal watchdog groups say that’s no coincidence: They say ALEC has curried favors with lawmakers in Virginia and other states to pass legislation that benefits corporate interests. “ALEC is essentially a corporate bill factory,” said Anna Scholl, executive director of ProgressVA, an advocacy group for low-income Virginians, women’s rights, environmental protection and other issues. “ALEC …
