Illinois Coal Association

Background

The Illinois Coal Association is a coal lobbying group based in Springfield that "represents the coal industry in the state in governmental affairs, in public relations and in related matters." [1]

The Association is listed as a not-for-profit corporation that operates under policies set by its Board of Directors, a group made up of coal mining executives representing one hundred percent of the coal mining firms operating in the state of Illinois.

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR)

Background

Americans for Tax Reform (ATR) is ostensibly a group that pushes for lower taxes. It has close ties to the Republican Party, is a member of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), the Cooler Heads Coalition (CHC), and has been known to ally itself with the tobacco industry.

Freedom Foundation of Minnesota (FFM)

Background

The Freedom Foundation of Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) organization that describes itself as "an independent, non-profit educational and research organization that actively advocates the principles of individual freedom, personal responsibility, economic freedom, and limited government." [1]

Australian Libertarian Society (ALS)

Background

The Australian Libertarian Society (ALS) was founded by John Humphreys in 2000. It supports "free-markets, individual liberty and the promotion of peaceful, voluntary interaction between people."

Humphreys is also a board member of the Australian Taxpayers Alliance