ALEC Comes to San Diego
Progressives in San Diego may not be pleased with the arrival of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) in the city. Their visit might be considered as unwelcome as the Omicron variant, as ALEC’s agenda can be seen as harmful.
The San Diego Union Tribune recently reported that San Diego will host hundreds of legislators, predominantly Republicans, at ALEC’s annual policy summit at the Manchester Grand Hyatt downtown. The three-day event will bring together state legislators, national leaders, and policy experts to discuss critical issues facing the states and the nation.
However, this seemingly harmless gathering is, in reality, a political and legislative force for global corporations and the ultra-wealthy, working to undermine democracy and promote an agenda financed by the global corporate elite.
Funded by interests such as the Charles Koch Foundation, fossil fuel companies, and Big Pharma, ALEC creates “model bills” that become harmful legislation in statehouses across the U.S. They have recently been active in suppressing voting rights, undermining labor unions, privatizing public education, fighting against climate change action, fueling anger over “critical race theory,” and promoting anti-abortion and anti-trans bills.
ALEC is a powerful organization where corporate lobbyists and state legislators vote as equals on “model bills” that often serve corporate interests at the expense of the public. ALEC claims to introduce over 1,000 of these bills annually by legislative members, with one in every five enacted into law.
Education is a significant interest for ALEC, and much of the “parent’s rights” rhetoric from Republicans is prepackaged by the organization. Moreover, ALEC is focused on undermining climate action efforts during the Biden Administration.
ALEC’s influence extends beyond state-level politics and the Republican Party. Corporate Democrat Joe Manchin, a former member of ALEC, shares the organization’s ideological leanings. Since Biden took office, Manchin has opposed raising the minimum wage and the Senate’s For the People Act, which would have eliminated partisan gerrymandering.
Progressives should be aware of ALEC’s activities, as their conference room discussions often lead to plutocratic attacks on American democracy.
As progressives in San Diego grapple with ALEC’s presence in the city, they should be vigilant about the organization’s stealth operations and the impact they have on American democracy. ALEC’s activities are not always immediately visible, but their influence has far-reaching consequences.
In response to ALEC’s visit, progressives in San Diego may want to consider organizing counter-events, forums, or workshops to discuss and promote alternative policy solutions that protect the environment, uphold workers’ rights, and defend public education. By engaging the public and the media, progressives can raise awareness about ALEC’s true intentions and showcase progressive values that promote fairness, social justice, and sustainable development.
Additionally, progressives should work to strengthen their networks and coalitions, both within San Diego and at the national level, to counter ALEC’s influence on policy-making. By connecting with like-minded individuals and organizations, they can share resources, expertise, and strategies for pushing back against the regressive policies that ALEC promotes.
Lastly, progressives must continue to hold their elected officials accountable for their actions and policy positions. By staying informed about the ties between politicians and organizations like ALEC, voters can demand transparency from their representatives and ensure that the interests of the people, rather than corporations, are being served.
In conclusion, while ALEC’s visit to San Diego may be unwelcome, it presents an opportunity for progressives to mobilize, educate, and work together to counter the harmful influence of this organization. By remaining vigilant and active, they can work towards creating a more equitable and just society.