New Report To Detail 'Corporate Takeover' of U.S. State Legislatures

2/27/2002

From: Brad DeVries of Defenders of Wildlife, 202-682-9400; Robert Perks of Natural Resources Defense Council, 202-289-2420

News Advisory:

Major corporations, including the now- bankrupt Enron, are running a massive behind-the-scenes effort to introduce industry-drafted bills into state legislatures and finance gifts and trips for state legislators, according to a report to be released by Defenders of Wildlife and the Natural Resources Defense Council on Thursday, Feb. 28. The American Legislative Exchange Council acts as a conduit for special-interest legislation from corporations to key state legislators on issues including rolling back environmental protections, privatizing prisons and schools, helping tobacco companies, and a host of other topics.

WHO: -- Rodger Schlickeisen, president, Defenders of Wildlife -- Greg Wetstone, program director, Natural Resources Defense Council -- Tim McFeely, CEO, Center for Policy Alternatives -- Gene Karpinski, executive director, U.S. Public Interest Research Group -- Richard Brodsky, assemblyman, New York State Legislature

WHAT: Public release of investigative report detailing history, inner workings and priorities of American Legislative Exchange Council.

WHERE: National Press Club, First Amendment Room

WHEN: 10 a.m., Feb. 28