South Dakota ALEC Politicians
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ALEC is a corporate bill mill. It is not just a lobby or a front group; it is much more powerful than that. Through ALEC, corporations hand state legislators their wishlists to benefit their bottom line. Corporations fund almost all of ALEC's operations. They pay for a seat on ALEC task forces where corporate lobbyists and special interest reps vote with elected officials to approve “model” bills. Learn more at the Center for Media and Democracy's ALECexposed.org, and check out breaking news on our ExposedbyCMD.org site.
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Contents
2013 South Dakota Legislature Uses Taxpayer Dollars to Fund ALEC Membership
On April 23, 2013, the South Dakota Legislature's Executive Board, lead by Ryan Maher (R-Isabel), adopted two policies in a 10-4 vote that allow the Legislature to use taxpayer dollars for costs associated with participation in the American Legislative Exchange Council. [1] First, the Executive Board voted to pay membership fees of $100 per Legislator for each of the 105 South Dakota Legislators to be members of American Legislative Exchange Council, coming to a total of $10,500 of taxpayer money.[2] Next, the Executive Board expanded the eligible travel fund reimbursement options to include travel to out-of-state ALEC meetings and events. Some claim that this expansion of the travel policy was conveniently rushed to the floor to accommodate the 9 Republican legislators who attended the ALEC Spring Task Force meeting in Oklahoma City on May 3-4 (rather than waiting for the appropriate budget timing on July 1.) [3]
A wide opposition has formed among citizens, editorial boards, and politicians that touts these policies "don't have the best interests of South Dakotans in mind." [4] Bernie Hunhoff (D-Yankton), the House Democrat Leader, and Jason Frerichs (D-Wilmot), Senate Democrat Leader, demanded that the Legislature not pay any money on behalf of any Democratic Legislators for membership to the "extremist" lobbying organization." [5]
South Dakota's Democratic Party purchased ads in the Brookings Register with over 160 citizen signatures opposing the policies. [6] In addition, the Democratic Party created an ad with Senator Deb Peter's photo, identifying her as the chair for the South Dakota Senate Appropriations and the ALEC Chair for South Dakota legislators.[7]
SD Republican Representative Nelson(R-Fulton) and former representative Schoenbeck (R-Watertown) voiced their opposition to the policies, characterizing ALEC meetings as "crony-capitalist machinations" and "brainwashing conventions."[8] Additionally, former SD Republican Chairman, Joel Rosenthal, posed the question "Why would those that believe and espouse a smaller government want to have the State pay for their non-governmental partisan activity?"[9]
More public opposition was posted in the Argus Reader and quoted by the SD Democratic Party.[10] Ryan Gruber, a former Republican Legislative staffer from Wisconsin, characterized ALEC's process of proposing model legislation as a "middleman that wipes the fingerprints off the murder weapon."[11] Robert Burns, a professor of Political Science, called the policy decisions "highly questionable and clearly a partisan use of public money."[11]
In defense of the new policies, Republican legislators compare ALEC to other nonpartisan legislative groups such as National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) and the Council of State Government (CSG). The fundamental difference between ALEC and these organizations, however, are that NCSL and CSG are organizations solely comprised of legislators and annually rotate leadership between Democrats and Republicans.[12] In ALEC, committees are comprised of business leaders and legislators, and each committee is co-chaired by both a state representative and a CEO or lobbyist for a large corporate interest.
Ryan Maher (R-Isabel), the chairman of the South Dakota Legislature's Executive Board, determined that out-of-state travel would only be reimbursed for one organization (of the 3: NCSL, CSG, or ALEC), and directed the Legislative Research Council (LRC) to pay for memberships only if legislators provided a voucher for reimbursement.[12] Since the inception of these policies, not a single Legislator has submitted a voucher for reimbursement associated with ALEC membership or travel.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
- Rep. Justin Cronin (R-23), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Member [13]
- Rep. Brian Gosch (R-32), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member[14]
- Rep. Jon Hansen (R-25), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member [15]
- Rep. Charles Hoffman (R-23), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Alternate[16]
- Rep. Stace V. Nelson (R-19), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member[17]
- Rep. David Novstrup (R-3), ALEC Public Safety and Elections Task Force Member [18]
- Rep. Betty Olson (R-28B)[19], ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Alternate[20]
- Rep. Fred W. Romkema (R-31), ALEC International Relations Task Force Member[21]
- Rep. Jacqueline Sly (R-33), ALEC Education Task Force Member[22]
- Rep. Roger D. Solum (R-5), ALEC Communications and Technology Task Force Member[23]
- Rep. Manny Steele (R-12), ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member[24]
- Rep. Hal Wick, (R-12) ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Member [25]
Senate
- Sen. Corey Brown (R-23), ALEC International Relations Task Force Alternate[26]
- Sen. Phil Jensen (R-33)[19], ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member[27]
- Sen. Al R. Novstrup (R-3), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Alternate[28]
- Sen. Deb Peters (R-9), State Chairman[29], International Relations Task Force[30] and Communications and Technology Task Force member [31]
- Sen. Tim Rave (R-25), ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member[32]
U.S. Representative
- Rep. Kristi Noem (R-6), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Member[33]
Former Representatives
- Rep. Jamie Boomgarden (R-17), ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member[34]
- Rep. Arnold Brown (R) currently sits on Judicial Qualifications Commission. [35]
- Rep. Justin Davis (R-23), guest at December 2010 meeting of the ALEC International Relations Task Force meeting[30]
- Rep. Bob Deelstra (R-9), ALEC Public Safety and Elections Task Force Member [18]
- Rep. Carole Hilliard (R) was Lt. Gov. 1995-2003. [36]
- Rep. Joyce Hodges (R)[37]
- Rep. Lora Hubbel (R-11), ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Alternate[38]
- Rep. Roger W. Hunt (R-10), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member [39]
- Rep. Kenneth McNenny (R)[40]
- Rep. Tad Perry (R-24), ALEC Education Task Force Member[41]
- Rep. Valentine Rausch (R-4),[42] State Chairman[29] and International Relations Task Force member[30]
- Rep. Charles M. Turbiville (R-31), ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Member[43]
- Rep. Kim Vanneman (R-26B) , ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Member[44]
- Rep. Mark K. Willadsen (R-11), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Alternate[45]
Former Senators
- Sen. Tom Hansen (R-22), ALEC Communications and Technology Task Force Member[46]
- Sen. Jeffrey K. Haverly (R-35), ALEC International Relations Task Force Alternate[30][13]
- Sen. Elizabeth Kraus (R-33), ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member[47]
- Sen. Todd J. Schlekeway (R-11), ALEC Education Task Force Member[48]
References
- ↑ Who's Paying for Republicans at ALEC Convention this Weekend?, Press Release, South Dakota Democratic Party, May 3, 2013.
- ↑ Our Voice: Sate Should Not Pay Lawmakers' Dues to ALEC, American News Editorial Board, Aberdeen News, April 27, 2013.
- ↑ Spending your Tax Dollars on Partisan ALEC Meetings, South Dakota,Madville Times, May 14,2013.
- ↑ Deb Peters Put Conservative Organization ahead of South Dakota taxpayers, South Dakota Democratic Party.
- ↑ Bob Mercer, Conservative Group Dues will be Covered by South Dakota Treasury, Capitol Journal, April 26, 2013.
- ↑ Citizens Protest use of Tax Dollars for ALEC Dues , South Dakota, Madville Times, May 23, 2013.
- ↑ Meet Senator Deb Peters South Dakota Democratic Party.
- ↑ Nelson and Schoenbeck Say No to Taxpayer Funding of ALEC Dues, South Dakota, Madville Times, April 24, 2013.
- ↑ Joel Rosenthal, Get Real, Straight Talk Blog, May 29, 2013.
- ↑ Screen Shot of Argus Reader Citizen Voices, South Dakota Democratic Party, May 19, 2013.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Citizens Oppose Taxpayer Subsidies for ALEC, South Dakota Democratic Party, May 19, 2013.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 State Legislators Not Asking for ALEC Membership Reimbursement, State Capitol Bureau, July 5, 2013.
- ↑ 13.0 13.1 American Legislative Exchange Council, organizational task force membership directory, March 31st, 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause April 2012
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Civil Justice Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ organizational member spreadsheet, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Membership Directory, December 2010, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ organizational member spreadsheet, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ 18.0 18.1 American Legislative Exchange Council, Public Safety & Elections Task Force 2011 Spring Task Force Summit April 29, 2011 Minutes, organizational document, June 30, 2011, p. 5, obtained and released by Common Cause April 2012
- ↑ 19.0 19.1 American Legislative Exchange Council, Letter to Robert C. Byrd and Nancy Pelosi RE: Federal health reform efforts, June 24, 2009
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Membership Directory, December 2010, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, International Relations Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Education Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Communications and Technology Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Health and Human Services Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, organizational task force membership directory, June 30, 2011, p. 31, obtained and released by Common Cause April 2012
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, International Relations Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Health and Human Services Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, [http://www.commoncause.org/atf/cf/%7BFB3C17E2-CDD1-4DF6-92BE-BD4429893665%7D/tax_35-daymailing_stfs2011_updated%20Ohio.pdf – Full Name and Address], Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ 29.0 29.1 American Legislative Exchange Council, "ALEC State Chairmen, organization website, accessed April 2012
- ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 30.3 American Legislative Exchange Council, International and Federal Relations Task Force meeting and Federal Relations Working Group, meeting agenda and materials, August 4, 2011, on file with CMD
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Communications and Technology Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Health and Human Services Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Membership Directory, December 2010, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Health and Human Services Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ ALEC 1995 SB
- ↑ ALEC 1995 SB
- ↑ ALEC 1995 SB
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Director – Full Name and Address, organizational task force membership directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ organizational member spreadsheet, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ ALEC 1995 SB
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Education Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Letter to Senate Majority Leader Reid, RE: the EPA’s plan to regulate greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act, March 10, 2010
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, organizational task force membership directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Membership Directory, December 2010, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, [http://www.commoncause.org/atf/cf/%7BFB3C17E2-CDD1-4DF6-92BE-BD4429893665%7D/tax_35-daymailing_stfs2011_updated%20Ohio.pdf – Full Name and Address], Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Communications and Technology Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Health and Human Services Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
- ↑ American Legislative Exchange Council, Directory – Full Name and Address, Education Task Force Membership Directory, August 2011, obtained and released by Common Cause
