The States are the Future: CEO Update
Elections may change the political landscape, but ALEC's commitment to limited government, free markets, and federalism remains steadfast.
Before recapping another impactful month here at ALEC and looking forward to what’s ahead, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has reached out since my retirement announcement. With Thanksgiving approaching, this season is a particularly meaningful reminder of how fortunate I’ve been to spend so many years working alongside extraordinary friends and colleagues. Special congratulations are also in order for Jonathan Williams and Lisa Bowen on their appointments by the Board. We’ve been working closely as a team to ensure a seamless transition.
Election Day is this week, and Americans are set to make consequential decisions about the direction of our country, whether to embrace government control or individual responsibility. While much of the national attention is focused on control of Congress, those of us at ALEC know that some of the most important decisions will be made much closer to home.
Across the country, voters will elect governors, state legislators and other officials who will help determine the direction of tax policy, education freedom, energy affordability and economic opportunity for years to come. From keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers to ensuring parents have a voice in their children’s education, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
And regardless of what happens in Washington, the states will continue to serve as America’s laboratories of democracy.
That’s what makes the ALEC mission so important. For more than five decades, we’ve brought together state lawmakers and private sector leaders to exchange ideas, develop solutions and advance the principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism. We’ve seen how a successful policy in one state can inspire meaningful reforms in dozens of others, improving the lives of millions of Americans along the way.
Elections may change the political landscape, but ALEC’s commitment to limited government, free markets, and federalism remains steadfast. When the dust settles after November 3, we’ll be ready to help state leaders turn good ideas into meaningful policy solutions.
Speaking of good ideas, our policy team has been hard at work!
I’m especially excited about our latest publication, Building a Better Path to Education: State 529 Laws After the Working Families Tax Cuts. Last year’s landmark federal tax legislation expanded the flexibility of 529 education savings accounts, doubling the annual limit for K-12 expenses to $20,000 and allowing families to use those funds for tutoring, curriculum, instructional materials, testing fees and other educational needs.
For parents trying to find the right educational environment for their children, these changes represent a tremendous opportunity. Families work hard to save for their children’s futures, and they deserve the flexibility to put those savings toward the educational resources that best meet their needs.
But there’s a catch!
Our research found that 16 states have yet to fully align their 529 laws and guidance with these new federal provisions, potentially exposing families to unexpected state tax consequences simply for using their own education savings on federally authorized expenses. Those states represent more than 4.7 million savings accounts holding over $161 billion in assets!
Think about that: a family could make an education savings withdrawal that is perfectly acceptable under federal law, only to discover that their state considers the very same expense ineligible for state tax benefits. That’s not just confusing, it’s an unnecessary obstacle for families who are doing exactly what we’ve encouraged them to do: plan and save for their children’s education.
That’s why ALEC is encouraging lawmakers to update their state laws and ensure families can take full advantage of these new opportunities. Our 529 Education Freedom for States Act model policy provides a roadmap for getting it done.
Education freedom was also front and center during my recent appearance on Just the News, No Noise, where I talked with John Solomon about how America can continue expanding educational opportunity and why state policymakers are so critical to that effort.
For years, ALEC has championed policies that put students and families first. We’ve seen the tremendous momentum behind education savings accounts, school choice programs and other innovative approaches that recognize a simple truth: No two children learn exactly alike, and no single educational model can meet every student’s needs.
The progress we’ve witnessed across the states is encouraging, but there’s still plenty of work to do. As policymakers prepare for another legislative year, ALEC will continue providing the research, model policies and collaborative opportunities necessary to keep education freedom moving forward.
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Common Sense Comeback of the MonthWith Veterans Day approaching, this month’s Common Sense Comeback is especially meaningful. USAA is honoring America’s military community with a special monument on the National Mall dedicated to all who have served in our Armed Forces. What a wonderful reminder that the freedoms we enjoy today have been defended by generations of courageous men and women willing to put service above self. Unfortunately, not everyone shares that same respect for our nation’s military heroes. In Quantico, Virginia, a man who had been in the United States illegally for more than 25 years was recently arrested in connection with the vandalism of the community’s Iwo Jima Memorial. Against that troubling backdrop, USAA’s tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring those who have defended our freedoms. From the earliest days of our republic to the conflicts of the modern era, America’s service members have answered the call to defend our nation, protect our liberties and preserve the principles that make this country exceptional. As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, it’s fitting that we take time to recognize those who have protected the principles upon which America was founded. Honoring their sacrifice, preserving their legacy and teaching future generations the meaning of service should never be partisan issues. Do you know someone who has served? If so, I’d encourage you to head to the National Mall before November 12 and visit USAA’s monument, where you can display your loved one’s name as a thank you for their service.
Thank you to USAA for helping ensure that America’s veterans receive the recognition they so richly deserve. And to every veteran and military family, thank you for your service and sacrifice! Also, be on the lookout for our next publication, Serving Those Who Serve: A 50-State Ranking on Veterans and Military Affairs Policy, which we’ll be releasing the week of Veterans Day! |
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Don’t forget that one of my favorite ALEC traditions is right around the corner!
Our 2026 States and Nation Policy Summit will take place December 9–11 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C. After an extraordinary year celebrating America’s 250th birthday, I can’t think of a better place to gather than our nation’s capital.
We’ll bring together state legislators, policy experts and private sector leaders from across the country to exchange ideas, discuss the challenges facing our states and prepare for the 2027 legislative sessions.
And with the midterm elections behind us, this year’s Summit will be especially important. Newly elected lawmakers will be preparing to take office, returning legislators will be developing their priorities and states across the country will be considering how best to respond to the changing political landscape.
That’s where ALEC comes in.
Whether you’re joining us for the first time or have been part of the ALEC family for decades, I hope you’ll make plans to attend.
And don’t forget: Early-bird registration ends November 11!
REGISTER FOR THE 2026 STATES AND NATION POLICY SUMMIT
The deadline for submitting model policies has also passed, and I’m looking forward to the thoughtful discussions and spirited debates surrounding this year’s proposals at the Summit. This year’s submissions tackle some of the most pressing issues facing states today, from the growing use of automated license plate reader cameras and expanding educational opportunities to criminal justice reform and combating fraud, waste and abuse in government. These proposals reflect the challenges facing lawmakers and ALEC’s continued commitment to developing innovative solutions that promote limited government, free markets, and federalism. The submitted model policies will go live on alec.org on November 10, so stay tuned!
As I approach my final States and Nation Policy Summit as ALEC Chief Executive Officer, I find myself reflecting on just how much this organization has accomplished over the past 12 years. I look forward to seeing many of you in Washington next month as we close out this historic year and prepare for an even brighter future.
See you in Washington!