Friday, January 10, 2014

Representative Mark Smith, Minority Leader Iowa House of Representatives 1007 East Grand Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50319

Dear Representative Smith: Thank you for reaching out to seek clarification regarding the membership status of Iowa legislators in the American Legislative Exchange Council. On the decision of the Iowa Legislative Council, the Iowa Legislative Services Agency pays membership dues for the General Assembly, as a single body, in the following four organizations: 1. 2. 3. 4. The American Legislative Exchange Council The Council of State Governments The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws The National Conference of State Legislatures

It is my understanding that this has been the practice in Iowa for decades. Because the Iowa Legislature joins ALEC as a single body, just as it does other membership organizations, the membership number reflects all legislative members. In the future, our working documents will include specific clarification of the Iowa General Assemblys membership status and will note that the state joined as a single body, not as individuals. Sincerely,

Ron Scheberle Executive Director American Legislative Exchange Council

American Legislative Exchange Council 2900 Crystal Drive, Suite 600 Arlington, VA 22202 Tel. (703) 373-0933 Fax: (703) 373-0927 ww.alec.org Revised 07/21/13