Dozens of Florida Republicans at ALEC legislative conference courtesy of taxpayers, lobbyists

By Steve Bousquet and Janet Zink, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau
In Print: Thursday, August 4, 2011

TALLAHASSEE — Dozens of Florida legislators are in New Orleans this week for three days of pro-business pep talks, policy seminars and great food.

The annual meeting of the American Legislative Exchange Council, or ALEC, features topics such as public pensions, Medicaid reform and tax policy, with such conservative stalwarts as economist Arthur Laffer and former U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey.

And who's picking up part of the tab? Taxpayers and lobbyists.

Several dozen lobbyists will be at the Marriott in New Orleans for the "Florida Night" dinner, an ALEC tradition. This year's is at historic Antoine's and features trout Pontchartrain ($120 per person) or filet with marchand de vin sauce ($130).

(snip) disgusting

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/legislature/dozens-of-florida-republicans-at-alec-legislative-conference-courtesy-of/1184041