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Group: Conservatives had role in Ohio union bill

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The Associated Press 4:36 PM Monday, February 6, 2012

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A coalition including ProgressOhio and other liberal policy groups finds that Ohio's controversial collective bargaining overhaul and 32 other bills introduced since last year contained language provided by the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council. Nine of the bills became law.

In a report released Monday, the coalition found ALEC paid "scholarships" averaging $1,900 to 20 Ohio legislators to cover travel, lodging, meals and family costs for conferences in New Orleans, San Diego and elsewhere. The Washington, D.C.-based council gets most of its funding from corporate entities.

ProgressOhio executive director Brian Rothenberg says he finds it "appalling" that corporations underwriting ALEC have played such a large role in writing Ohio laws.

Messages were left seeking comment at ALEC's national headquarters and with Rep. John Adams, its state chair.

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February 06, 2012 09:30 PM EST

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