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In this episode, we dive into the shadowy world of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), examining ALEC legislation and its influence on Republican legislation in the United States.

📚 Episode Overview
Have you ever wondered how laws get passed in the United States that do not reflect the majority of Americans’ views? Many people have never heard of ALEC — yet the corporate lobbying group is the hidden force behind that extremist legislation. Joining us are Lisa Graves, a lawyer and researcher who has advised every branch of the federal government, and Rep. Ro Khanna, a progressive voice in the US Congress legislation process, representing California's 17th district. Graves, with her extensive background in investigating dark money in politics, provides a detailed examination of ALEC's legislative drafting and its long-standing, often dangerous impacts on American democracy. Rep. Ro Khanna, a progressive and influential voice in the US Congress, shares his perspectives on ongoing legislative battles, the need for comprehensive reform, and his experience advocating for equality and labor rights in the heart of Silicon Valley.

🌐 American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)
ALEC has been a pivotal force in shaping legislation, serving as a reactionary bill mill for the last 50 years. It strategically infiltrates government structures, pushing policies and politics that favor the world's largest corporations. Lisa Graves, who has conducted major research on the group, sheds light on ALEC legislation and its long-lasting impacts on democracy and civil rights.

🏛 Rep. Ro Khanna’s Insights
Ro Khanna, an advocate for progressive policies and labor rights, discusses how ALEC's influence moves from state to federal policy. He shares his experiences and insights on the need for progressive reforms and union rights.

🔹 Key Topics Covered:
1️⃣ The origins & evolution of ALEC
2️⃣ The role of ALEC in shaping Republican legislation
3️⃣ The influence of dark money in politics
4️⃣ #50YearsOfHarm and the fight for progressive reforms and equality
5️⃣ The impacts of ALEC legislation on environmental rules and labor rights

👥 About The Guests
1️⃣ Lisa Graves is the Executive Director of True North Research and Board President of the Center for Media and Democracy, organizations renowned for investigating dark money in politics. She spearheaded ALECexposed.org in 2011, revealing covert legislative activities and has been featured in the documentary "United States of ALEC." Lisa has held senior advisory roles in all three branches of government, including as Deputy Assistant Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice.
2️⃣ Representing California's 17th Congressional District, Congressman Ro Khanna is in his fourth term serving Silicon Valley. He holds significant roles on several committees and subcommittees, focusing on areas like Cyber Technologies, U.S.-China Strategic Competition, and Environmental Oversight. He is also a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans.

👁‍🗨 Engage & Learn
Drop a comment below sharing your thoughts on ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, and its influence on American legislation.

Guests:
Lisa Graves: Board President, Center for Media & Democracy (@PRWatchCMD); Executive Director, True North Research
@RepRoKhanna: Congressman California's 17th District

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📺 RELATED EPISODES: Lisa Graves: The Extremist Revolution & Democracy Hanging by a Thread:    • Lisa Graves: The Extremist Revolution...  
AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward:    • AOC & Noam Chomsky: The Way Forward  

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01:13 Intro to ALEC & Its Influence
03:13 Deep Dive into ALEC's Operations
05:07 Influence on Legislation
09:08 Disinformation on Climate Change
10:47 The Whistleblower & Operations Today
13:45 Executive Power & Labor Rights
17:30 ALEC's Funding Sources
20:00 Addressing Corruption & Public Perception