Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/279010
expanding private prisons and numerous attacks on wage protection, workplace rights and retirement security. "I don't know which special interest picked up the tab on Tuesday night, but I know who didn't – those Arizona legislators," said Robbie Sherwood, Executive Director of ProgressNow Arizona. "The public has a right to know where their lawmakers get their ideas and how much those special interests paid for the access." Sherwood, who sat at the Donovan's bar and watched the parade of legislators and lobbyists enter, added, "This political power play literally took place in the back room of one of the nicest restaurants in town. It's not right for our lawmakers to betray working families by showing allegiance to ALEC, skirting ethics laws to take lavish trips, getting wined and dined. Arizonans deserve better than secret backroom deals where their elected representatives are given special treatment by corporate lobbyists who want the laws changed to suit their private interests." In late December, a major expose by The Guardian revealed that ALEC is facing a membership and fundraising crisis. The downturn comes as a result of dozens of corporations dropping their memberships in the wake of Trayvon Martin killing and scrutiny of "Stand Your Ground" laws, which ALEC helped spread around the country. ALEC even flirted with the idea of asking legislators to sign oaths of loyalty to ALEC over their constituents, but ultimately dropped the proposal. In addition to Sen. Biggs and Rep. Lesko, lawmakers spotted at the dinner included: Reps. Eddie Farnsworth, John Kavanagh, Carl Seel, Brenda Barton, Bob Thorpe, David Livingston, J.D. Mesnard, Justin Olson, Michelle Ugenti, T.J. Shope, Adam Kwasman, Jeff Dial; and Senators Nancy Barto, Chester Crandell and Don Shooter. 2 IN DEPTH LOOK Corporate-Led Learning, cont. from page 31 "Arizonans deserve better than secret backroom deals where their elected rep- resentatives are given special treatment by corporate lobbyists who want the laws changed to suit their private interests. " — Robbie Sherwood, Executive Director of ProgressNow Arizona Summer.14advo.indd 34 3/14/14 2:58 PM