Some Missouri lawmakers are expected to be in Chicago this week for the American Legislative Exchange Council’s annual retreat, scheduled Wednesday through Friday.
The group, commonly called ALEC, is a Washington-based nonprofit that promotes free-market and conservative proposals. In addition to mostly Republican legislators, its members include representatives from major corporations.
The group creates model legislation that has made its way to capitals across the country, including Jefferson City.
ALEC has come under fire in recent years by those who claim that it wields too much influence and works to benefit only wealthy corporations and other special interests. Lawmakers who work with the group have defended it, saying that the organization gives legislators from different states an opportunity to share ideas.
A “Missouri Night” reception is scheduled for Friday at Chicago’s Rosebud Prime, which features a menu that offers a variety of steaks, as well as items such as escargot, oysters and lobster cocktail.
ALEC has planned several meetings at the Palmer House Hilton over the next couple of days, with featured guests that include former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, Mississippi Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and others.
Groups that oppose ALEC and its efforts are planning to demonstrate at the hotel.
It’s unclear which members of the Missouri Legislature are planning to travel to this week’s meetings.
State Sen. Ed Emery, R-Lamar, is ALEC’s Missouri chairman.
Emery recently penned a newsletter praising ALEC’s efforts.
“Federalism makes each state a laboratory, and ALEC involvement provides Missouri state government the best opportunity to develop effective government policies and avoid harmful ones,” he wrote.
Legislators who attended ALEC’s meeting last year included House Speaker Tim Jones, Majority Floor Leader John Diehl, newly-elected 8th District Congressman Jason Smith and Reps. Caleb Jones and Shelley Keeney.
— Elizabeth Crisp
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