ALEC Draws Lawmakers -- And Protesters -- To Indianapolis

The American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, has been developing and spreading model legislation and ideas to statehouses throughout the country for more than 40 years. More than a dozen Indiana lawmakers are involved in ALEC, and this week, the conservative -- and controversial -- organization is meeting in Indianapolis.

But people such as Dominic Dorsey decry that influence. Dorsey, an activist who’s involved in organizing Black Lives Matter in Indianapolis, said ALEC systematically targets communities of color.

“When we’re talking about things like three strike policies, mandatory minimums for non-violent drug offenses, making theft from any type of establishment a federal offense,” Dorsey said.

Former Texas Governor Rick Perry addressed ALEC’s annual meeting in Indianapolis on Wednesday. He said Republicans ignored the black vote and need to earn it back.

“Keep non-violent offenders out of prison, lift barriers to urban jobs, incentivize work, reform our schools and reduce the cost of living,” Perry said.

Governor Mike Pence will speak to ALEC Friday.