A grass roots organization founded by two Lawrence residents has scheduled a rally and other events later this month at the Capitol to bring attention to the American Legislative Exchange Council and its ties to Gov. Sam Brownback, Secretary of State Kris Kobach and many legislators.

“ALEC is the primary influence on the current administration, not Kansans,” said a news release from Kansans United in Voice & Spirit.

The group, along with KanVote and Kansas Stronger Together, plans events starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15.

ALEC is a corporate-funded group that describes its mission as advancing free markets, limited government, federalism and individual liberty.

ALEC has advocated for reduction of state income taxes and its members have sponsored laws in several states, including Kansas, to require photo ID to vote.

Last session, Kobach helped push through a voter ID law in Kansas, saying it was needed to prevent voter fraud. Opponents say it will provide obstacles to voting for some groups, such as the elderly and minorities.

This session, Brownback has proposed a tax overhaul that would lower income tax rates while eliminating deductions, saying that will lead to economic growth. The plan has come under attack from some as transferring the tax burden to lower income families. Brownback also wrote the foreword to ALEC’s “Rich States, Poor States. Approximately 50 Kansas legislators are ALEC members.

Kansans United in Voice & Spirit was formed by Tamara Werth and Crystal McComas of Lawrence.