Under the guise of "choice" in health care, conservatives are launching a state-based campaign to derail health reform.  With support from the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), conservative legislators in at least 24 states are introducing a bill that says no one shall be required to purchase health care from the government or a government-defined health plan or be prevented from buying private insurance, and that residents shall have the right to pay for health care directly out of pocket.

The debate over clean energy is ripping open divisions in conservative business lobbies.  Debate on federal climate change legislation has led an increasing number of businesses to leave the Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and other business associations because of those organizations' stances against recognizing the scientific validity of climate change. The revolt has been growing ever since a senior Chamber official called for a "Scopes monkey trial of the 21st century" to evaluate evidence of global warming.

Last week in Detroit, state legislators and key organizational allies of Progressive States Network came together at our annual Legislative Leadership Retreat to plan our legislative work for 2010.  Recognizing both the challenges and opportunities facing progressives in the present economic and political environment, participants planned an ambitious policy and outreach strategy for the coming year.  Held in conjunction with the Economic Analysis Research Network (EARN) annual conference of policy organizations, the event was a chance to discuss how progressive legislators could work more effectively with each other and with organizational allies.  The event was a chance to celebrate the achievements of Progressive States Network and its progressive legislators and organizational allies, while planning for an even more successful future for the Network.