April CEO Update
This is just the beginning—a turning point that promises not just better schools, but a stronger, freer America.
A lot has happened since I last wrote to you. President Donald J. Trump’s executive order to close the U.S. Department of Education emerged not just as a policy shift but as a revolutionary restoration of power to parents, teachers, and communities who know best how to educate their children. With a stroke of his pen, he affirmed what we’ve always known: states are ready to lead. We had a team from ALEC at the Department just days before talking about how the states are ready!
For too long, a bloated federal bureaucracy has loomed over our schools, stifling innovation, drowning educators in red tape, and prioritizing Washington politics over the individual needs of the students. That era is over. With this historic move, President Trump has unshackled education from federal overreach, paving the way for states to lead America into a brighter, more prosperous future.
States have been preparing for this moment for decades, steadily reclaiming control over education and proving they’re up to the task. The COVID-19 pandemic only sharpened this resolve as families turned away from failing government-run schools and demanded alternatives.
The American Legislative Exchange Council has stood at the forefront of this transformation for decades. We’ve long championed education freedom, and in anticipation of this move, last month, our Board of Directors approved the Resolution Supporting the Devolution of Power from the U.S. Department of Education to the States. Crafted by legislative members of our Education & Workforce Development Task Force, this resolution offers state legislatures a blueprint to seize this opportunity and align education with local values, economic needs, and family priorities. Already passed in Wolverine State under the leadership of ALEC Board Member and Michigan Speaker of the House Matt Hall, the resolution has already been picking up steam across the nation.
It’s important to dispel the myths about the security of educational funding. The truth is that 92% of school funding comes from state and local sources, with the federal government contributing a mere fraction while wielding disproportionate control. This executive order corrects that imbalance, redirecting resources from D.C. bureaucrats to the states where they belong. Critical programs like special education support, federal student loans, and FAFSA will remain intact under the oversight of existing agencies. The only real loss will be Washington’s grip on local decision-making. States are already leading the way with their adoption of universal school choice—proof that education freedom works when Washington steps aside.
The truth is that under federal mismanagement, public schools have failed too many students for too long. The Department of Education doesn’t set curricula or pay teachers—it just buries schools under a bureaucracy that wastes time and resources. Stripping away these barriers will allow teachers to teach, schools to innovate, and parents to choose what’s best for their kids. This isn’t the end of public education—it’s the beginning of something better, built by the people who live it every day.
This is education freedom in action—no more one-size-fits-all mandates, no more top-down decrees ignoring local realities. President Trump’s executive order is more than a closure—it’s an opening to limitless potential. To demonstrate our support for this effort, we are asking all public- and private-sector leaders to sign this letter calling on Congress to fully back these initiatives. Together, we can ensure that every child has a shot at success through an education system built closer to home.
Speaking of things close to home, two of our own have made the leap to Congress. State Senator Randy Fine and Florida Chief Financial Officer—and former State Representative—Jimmy Patronis secured decisive victories in last week’s special elections in the Free State of Florida. Fine will now represent the 6th District, while Patronis will represent the 1st. While we’ll miss their contributions at the state level, it’s always exciting to see ALEC alumni bring their principled leadership to the halls of Congress.
I’d be remiss if I failed to mention the recent released our 4th Annual Energy Affordability Report. This comprehensive ranking of states based on energy prices and policies serves as the perfect blueprint for any state looking to enhance their electrical availability and affordability. If you haven’t seen it yet, please take a look. And with Tax Day right around the corner, keep on the lookout for the 18th Edition of Rich States, Poor States.
We look forward to celebrating those victories—and many more—at our Annual Meeting this July in Indianapolis. Join us from July 16-18 for an event that will shape the future of education and beyond. Tickets are now available, so secure yours today and start planning your summer travel! Be sure to bring the family along, as Indianapolis offers a wealth of exciting sights and activities, and the Kids Congress will be in session to provide a helping hand.
We will arrive in Indiana knowing the future of American education is radiant. With the federal shadow lifted, states can begin crafting policies that truly reflect their citizens’ aspirations. This is just the beginning—a turning point that promises not just better schools, but a stronger, freer America. The Golden Age is here, and it will start in the classrooms.