States on the Rise: Lee Schalk on NewsTalkSTL
This meeting serves as a patriotic shot of adrenaline for state leaders.
The first six months of the new presidency have shown that the states are where the real policy momentum is building. From economic reforms to tax cuts, activity across the country is translating into measurable wins.
“We’re coming right off of this incredible victory with the big, beautiful bill getting signed into law on July 4,” said ALEC Senior Vice President of Policy Lee Schalk during a segment on NewsTalkSTL’s Tim Jones and Chris Arps Show. “But we’re also talking about all kinds of victories and momentum happening at the state level.”
Speaking with Jones and Missouri Senator Nick Schroer during ALEC’s 52nd Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, Indiana, Schalk pointed to a recent White House event attended by dozens of state lawmakers as a sign of that momentum. As Senator Schroer noted, direct outreach from a presidential administration to state legislators is unusual. But Schalk said it fits with President Trump’s approach.
“He’s doing that with all kinds of states,” said Schalk. “He wants to hear from you guys.”
That approach makes sense. The states are where meaningful legislative change often begins. And ALEC’s Annual Meeting is one of the largest gatherings of state legislators in the country. With more than 1,600 attendees, the event provides a valuable forum for policymakers to exchange ideas and focus on solutions that impact everyday Americans.
“More than half of states have cut income tax rates in the last five years,” Schalk noted. “A lot of them have flattened their tax structures, and that is going to be a huge driver of economic growth.”
Indiana, the host state for this year’s meeting, offers a prime example. As highlighted in ALEC’s Rich States, Poor States report, Indiana has climbed from 24th to third in the nation for economic outlook.
“They’ve gone from 24th in economic outlook to number three. Governor Braun’s leadership is incredible,” said Schalk.
Still, many states remain held back by entrenched policies and leadership that resist reform. That hasn’t stopped ALEC from engaging with policymakers in those areas.
“We’ve got friends here from Illinois, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island,” Schalk said. “We launched the Blue State Academy Series to show that with the right leadership, any state can thrive.”
Looking ahead, ALEC continues to expand its national footprint with leadership academies and regional gatherings in Dallas, Orlando, Montana, and Santa Barbara. These events are more than just training sessions; they are launching pads for the next generation of state and national leaders.
“We’ve got alums that have attended those academies that are now serving on Capitol Hill,” Schalk said.
Not to mention the five ALEC alumni currently serving in the President’s cabinet. Demonstrating that as the states continue to lead, ALEC will continue to train and equip the next generation of leaders to serve wherever they are called.