LEC ~~~:ii~~: Exchange Council UMl'"ED GOVERNMENT• FREE MARKETS • FEDERALISM February 6, 2017 Representative Ron Amstutz 13th Floor, Vern Riffe Center 77 S High St Coluwbus, OH 43215 Dear Representativ Amstutz, Election Day wins were big. And the American people have spoken. Free market leaders now control 32 state houses-an increase from 30 in 2014. And hold political trifectas-including control of the Governors' offices-in 24 states. When I watched President Trump take the oath of office last month, I felt the same way l felt as a young Reagan activist in the 1980s. And I feel that we are embarking on a new era in American politics. Your support of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) was evident as ALEC Alumni like Attorney General Scott Pruitt, Governor Rick Perry, Ambassador Nikki Haley and Rep. Tom Price were named to key cabinet roles in the Trump administration. Yet, the Left still wants to undermine the election results and promote their big government agenda starting with the states. Will you step up and support ALEC today? Leaders on the Left including Nancy Pelosi, Elizabeth Warren, as well as leaders of several union and liberal groups are desperate to regain the footholds of power in the midst of "full-on trench warfare against Trump from Day One." - Politico For six years, the Left has thrown everything they can think of at ALEC-from intimidating our members to questioning our nonprofit status with the IRS-and you have stood strong with us. I haven't heard from you yet this year, so I wanted to reach out. Representativ Amstutz, will you continue your vital work and send in your most generous gift of $50, $100 or $150 to help us in this battle today? Sincerely, k3Lisa B. Nelson Chief Executive Officer P.S. Representativ Amstutz, if this letter and your gift have crossed in the mail, I sincerely thank you for your renewed support of ALEC. Otherwise, please consider renewing your support today! LEC t~~i~:i~e Exchange Council LIMITED GOVERNMENT• FREE MARKETS • FEDERALISM January 4, 2017 Representative Ron Amstutz 13th Floor, Vern Riffe Center 77 S High St Columbus, OH 43215 Dear Representativ Amstutz, "George Soros and other rich liberals ... are gathering in Washington for a three-day, closed door meeting to retool the big-money left to fight back against Donald Trump." I read this headline in a Politico article just days after the election. Frankly, it wasn't a surpnse. • All last year I read about how the Left, and their deep-pocketed donors at the Democracy Alliance - a Left-wing group made up of more than 100 wealthy individuals and families - have their sights set on redistricting in 2020 in an effort to take back power for the next decade. • Days after the election, Leftist protestors caused riots outside Trump Towers in Chicago, California and even here in Washington, D.C. The same people concerned that Donald Trump would interfere with the "peaceful transfer of power" by questioning the election results, rioted, flipped cars, broke windows and set fires in the streets. • And ever since the election results were announced, colleges and universities declared classes canceled, exams suspended and "safe spaces" for students distressed by the election. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that the liberal elite are circling the wagons in an effort to undermine the election and the integrity of our election process. All they care about is preserving their own power and promoting their ever expanding big government agenda. It is up to you and me - and the state lawmakers trained here at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) - to stop them. Ron, will you stop the Left in their efforts to undermine our political process by ensuring state lawmakers are trained in the importance of limited government and economic securitv? Will you support ALEC with a gift of $50, $100 or even $150 today? Page 2 Election Day wins were big. And the American people have spoken. Free market leaders now control 32 state houses - an increase from 30 in 2014. And hold political trifectas - including control of the Governors' offices - in 24 states. These numbers represent 150 million hardworking taxpayers. Yet, the Left still wants to undermine the election results and promote their own, big government agenda. Leaders on the Left, including House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chairman Keith Ellison, as well as leaders of several union and liberal groups are already gathering to discuss how they plan a "full-on trench warfare against Trump from Day One." - Politico We cannot let them succeed. We need to work together to stop them. I know this is going to be an uphill battle, but it's a battle I'm ready to fight. You know the best way to fight their efforts is to train and empower state lawmakers on how to protect hardworking taxpayers and promote a stable economy. States legislatures are going to start their sessions soon. We need to be ready. We already trained dozens first time legislative attendees at our States and Nation Policy Summit last month. It is a good first step. but we aren't done yet. Now, we have a goal to train another 500 new lawmakers. We will do this by: 1. Traveling to 25 state capitols in 2017 2. Hosting 250 first-time attendees at our upcoming meetings in Charlotte, NC; Denver, CO and Nashville, TN 3. Educate lawmakers at 15 educational briefings and academies all throughout the nation In order to make this possible, we have a goal to raise $55,000 by January 31. Will you stand up and help us reach this goal with a gift today? With your help, we' 11 be able to travel to state houses throughout the nation and educate lawmakers about the impact they have on the local economy. Page 3 I told you last year that 2016 was a stepping stone for the Left. They are gearing up their efforts for 2020 - with a goal to redraw district lines and cut off free market leadership through redistricting. President Obama and his former Attorney General, Eric Holder, are teaming up to lead this redistricting fight. Obama himself even stated that redistricting in the states will be one of his top priorities after leaving the White House. We are the only organization equipped to stop these efforts and train lawmakers directly. You and I have known for years that the states are the backstop to the bloated Federal Government. Now, the Left knows that too. And they are refocusing their efforts. They aren't going to sulk in a corner. This election will motivate George Soros to throw even more resources, money and power to defeating the freedom movement. They are going to attack at the federal and state level - but they won't stop there. For six years, the Left has been perfecting their intimidation efforts. Now, they will attack at full force. It happens every day on college campuses, at small businesses and in the dark underbelly ofD.C. politics. It's been happening here at ALEC for years. And it's all because people believe the government should be smaller and the American people should have more control. What is it: The Left's Intimidation Game. During the past two years, congressmen, senators and attorneys general have written threatening letters urging investigation, subpoenaed businesses and attacked the free speech rights of all Americans. Just months ago, 19 U.S. Senators led by Harry Reid, Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Dick Durbin and Hillary Clinton's running mate Tim Kaine took to the floor of the U.S. Senate for two straight days of verbal attacks on free market groups, including ALEC. But, there is a clear line in the sand. It's called the Constitution of the United States. And because of you, state lawmakers have been able to use it to fight back. Page4 Last year, you helped support our free speech efforts when we developed the Center to Protect Free Speech. Through this Center we've already: • Written an open letter to these 19 Senators exposing their unconstitutional behavior in trying to intimidate free market think tanks • Developed one model policy that promotes academic freedom and another that protects against government overreach by those trying to eliminate donor privacy • And hosted an event introducing Kimberley Strassel of The Wall Street Journal and author of The Intimidation Game, with hundreds of policy leaders and state lawmakers Will you continue to support these freedom fighting efforts? Will you continue to provide protections for the American people, fighting against the Left's attacks? We know what to expect. But we don't know to what extent Leftist extremists will go to push their own agendas. That's why we have to be ready. That's why we need to start today, training new state lawmakers on the importance of protecting hardworking taxpayers and providing a stable economy. That's why you are so important. You've been vital to educating state lawmakers for more than 40 years. And when you support ALEC today, you are taking one more step to educating 500 newly-elected legislators. Because if you and I don't stand up - someone else will. Someone like the Democracy Alliance. The Democracy Alliance began meeting days after the November election. Their agenda covered ways to undermine President Trump's 100-day plan, while at the same time, discussing how to reformat the progressive agenda. They also stressed the need for more Leftist policies in the states, and urged donors to support the Soros-backed State Innovation Exchange, or SiX - a self-proclaimed "ALEC killer organization. The same organization which just last month hired Margaret Ann Morgan, from a pro-Clinton super PAC, as their press secretary. Page 5 The Left is desperate. They are going to do anything they can to gain footholds of power. For six years the Left has thrown everything they can think of at ALEC - from intimidating our members to questioning our nonprofit status with the IRS - and you have stood strong with us. The Left tried to silence our freedom of speech, but you stopped them. I know you are ready for this fight, too. Prepare for battle once again by standing with ALEC today. Leftists and special interests are going to tum to the states to get their agendas passed. You now know. without a doubt. that the fight for the future of America is going to take place at the state level. You and I need to be ready- educating state lawmakers about public policy practices that improve our communities. Never has there been more of a need for strong leadership at the state level. If the Left has their way, states will be used to restrict freedom and institute soulcrushing taxes and regulations. If the Left has their way, they will force Americans to think and behave in line with their ideas, destroying those who disagree with them. If the Left has their way, you can say goodbye to many of the Constitutional protections that you and I hold dear. We cannot let them have their way. We have to fight back! You know what the Left has done to ALEC the past six years. In their eyes, ALEC is the most dangerous group to Leftist and statist policies that encroach on your freedom. It is true. We have had a target on our backs for six years. And they are not going to remove that target now. We are going to continue to fight. And we're going to do it, because you are standing with us. I can only imagine what George Soros and the Left will cook up next. But I know you can stop them. Page 6 You stood against Senator Dick Durbin when he used his Senate letterhead to send threats to organizations he suspected of supporting ALEC. You stood up when George Soros-backed, Left-wing activists protested against ALEC and shipped hundreds of union members to protest our meetings. You stood up to 19 U.S. Senators led by Harrv Reid. Elizabeth Warren. Bernie Sanders and Tim Kaine when they took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to attack free speech. And you are standing up again today. Because of you, our nation is strong. And ready to fight against big government activists. We need to continue to show that strength. With you, we will be able to: • Train 2,000 lawmakers, policy experts and industry leaders at our annual meetings. Here attendees will hear from speakers, attend policy workshops and debate with each other for an open exchange of ideas. • Host events in state capitals across the nation, including in-depth policy academies on issues such as healthcare, tax and pension reform and criminal justice reform. • Work with U.S. Congressmen on Capitol Hill, ensuring an accurate balance of power between state and federal government. • Prepare new state lawmakers to advance the principles oflimited government and free markets through issue briefings, toolkits and state whitepapers. The opportunity is yours. You have the chance to improve our nation by promoting limited government, free markets and federalism. But we have to act fast. You and I aren't the only ones looking to train newly-elected lawmakers. The Left is there too. And with nowhere else to turn, they have their sights set on state capitals. They've seen our success over the years and are hoping they can start passing their sweeping, big government agenda at that state level. It is up to you to stop them. And ALEC is the best tool you have at your disposal. Page 7 We are the most equipped to fight because ALEC is the only free market organization that works directly with state lawmakers. Continue your support today. I left our December meeting feeling energized. Not just because I heard from speakers on the impact states will make in the next four years. Not just because I met with lawmakers who were excited to start their legislative sessions and begin working to protect hardworking taxpayers. And not even because I met dozens of legislators who were attending their first ALEC meeting. No. I left energized because for the first time in a long time the state and federal government are working together to ensure a balance of power. To ensure legislative control is given back to the people. And that is because of you. But with this new chance to reform overreaching policies at the state level, there is also work to do. There has never been a time of greater need and urgency. The Left is backed against a wall. And will fight back with all it has. I told you earlier about a Politico article I read. It stated that the Democracy Alliance - a Left-wing group made up of more than 100 wealthy individuals and families - met late last year to discuss the best ways to fundamentally transform the nation. They are working to undermine the American electorate and the results of November. It is up to you and me to stop them. This election was a stepping stone for the Left. They are gearing up for 2020 - when they plan to redraw district lines and set themselves up for the next 10 years. The battle is not over for the Left. It can't be over for us either. The stakes are too high. We cannot give up. We must continue to work together. Page 8 We don't yet know the landscape of 2020. But there is one thing we can be sure of: State legislatures are the battleground - working to provide a backstop against federal overreach and overregulation. I am fighting for this country. I am working to defend and preserve the freedoms that make us great. I am ready to battle for the future of our nation. To protect it for generations to come. Are you? Ron, will you continue your vital work and send in your most generous gift of $50, $100 or $15 0 to help us in this battle today? Sincerely, l~~u~ Lisa B. Nelson Chief Executive Officer P.S. It is up to you and me to stop the Left in their efforts to undermine the American electorate and the results of the November election. The time is now. We have 31 days to prepare for the next four years. And those four years will determine the future of our nation. Ensure those next four years are a success with a gift today. We are gearing up for a battle in state capitals nationwide. This support will ensure we are prepared. Prepared to train all newly-elected members on the importance of limited government, fighting against federal overreach and overregulation. \Ve cannot give up. Now is the time to fight. Fight to defend and preserve the freedoms that make us great. \Vill you fight today with a gift of $50, $100 or $150 for the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC)? Stop The Left's Plan to Undermine the Constitution! Lisa B. Nelson, Chief Executive Officer American Legislative Exchange Council 2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22202 Dear Lisa, D I understand the Left and special interest groups are working to undermine the November election results and fundamentally transform our nation. D I know deep-pocketed Leftist donors are turning to the states to try to pass their big government agenda. D I know we are gearing up for a battle in state capitals nationwide. I know, without a doubt, that the fight for the future of America is going to take place at the state level. D I know now is the time to fight. Fight to defend and preserve the freedoms that make us great. And ALEC is my best tool to educate legislators in that fight. I'm pleased to rush you my tax-deductible contribution by January 31" in the amount of: D D $50 D $100 D $150 D Other:$- - - I have enclosed my check payable to: ALEC. D I prefer to charge my gift on my credit card. Please charge my gift of$_ _ _ _ _ to my: D Visa D MasterCard D Al\1EX Name as it appears on credit card: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Account number: __________ Expires: ____CSV Code: _ _ D I want to help even more by giving monthly. You may charge my credit card monthly in the amount of$- - - D I want exclusive ALEC updates by subscribing. Email: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ Representative Ron Amstutz 13th Floor, Vern Riffe Center 77 S High St Columbus, OH 43215 17HF01E Paid for by the American Legislative Exchange Council. www.alec.org Contributions are tax-deductible Sample Language for Including the American Legislative Exchange Council in Your Will I give, devise, and bequeath (a) the sum of$ , (b) % of my estate, (c) Description of property: , or _ _ (d) [see below] to the American Legislative Exchange Council (tax identification number: 52-0140979), a not-for-profit organization, located in Virginia to be used for the general charitable purposes of the American Legislative Exchange Council. d) I give, devise and bequeath all the rest, residue, and remainder of my estate, real, personal, or mixed wherever situate, of which I may die seized or possessed, or to which I may be or become in any manner entitled, have any interest, or over which I may have any power of appointment to the American Legislative Exchange Council (tax identification number: 52-0140979), a not-for-profit organization, located in Virginia to be used for the general charitable purposes of the American Legislative Exchange Council. Please contact Laurel Buckley at LBuckley@alec.org or (571) 482-5059 with any questions regarding your gift to the American Legislative Exchange Council. The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC): The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) was formed as a 50l(c)3 non-profit organization with tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service in March 1977. The principal place of business is 2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22202 and the phone number is (571) 482-5059. ALEC is the nation's largest individual membership association of state legislators with a commitment to limited government, free markets and individual liberty. Contributions to ALEC are tax-deductible. Contributions can be of any amount and can be made by individuals, corporations or foundations. UNIFORM DISCLOSURE STATEMENT Financial and other information about ALEC's purpose, programs and activities can be obtained by contacting ALEC's Director of Finance and Administration at the address and phone number listed above, or for residents of the following states, as stated below. Florida: SC No. CH11865 A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-435-7352. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage, registration documents, and other information are available from the Maryland Secretary of State. Michigan: MICS No. 25847 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of ALEC may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office by calling 1-888-236-6167. 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Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.Washington: From the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR REC0MMENDATION OF ALEC BY THE STATE.