February CEO Update
This is the Golden Age of America—a time when the nation stands on the precipice of unparalleled opportunity and progress.
The Golden Age of America
As President Trump declared during his inaugural address, this is the Golden Age of America—a time when the nation stands on the precipice of unparalleled opportunity and progress. The days and months ahead are filled with the promise of growth, innovation, and prosperity for all Americans. Fueled by a renewed sense of optimism and a commitment to putting the people first, this era is one where the American Dream can become a reality for all. It is a time to shed the burdens of bureaucratic overreach and embrace policies that empower individuals, families, and communities to chart their own course toward success.
I made just the same argument in a recent Op-ed I was proud to co-author with Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and famed economist Dr. Arthur Laffer. As those devoted to limited government and free markets hold the reigns in six out of the seven American citadels of power, there is an opening for elected leaders across the nation to expand opportunity, eliminate unnecessary red tape, and unleash the full potential of American energy. By embracing bold economic reforms, we can ensure that businesses flourish, job creation soars and innovation knows no bounds. America has the chance to build a legacy of prosperity that touches every corner of the nation, standing as a beacon of hope and opportunity for generations to come.
Recognizing our ability to advance such a legacy across the states, the White House invited ALEC to participate in roundtable discussions and strategy sessions to ensure the principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism take root in every corner of the nation. This invitation is a testament to the dedication of our incredible staff and each of you who champion these same values through every bill, speech, and resolution. I witnessed that exact brand of dedication last week when meeting with California State Chair Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil in Sacramento as they begin recovering from recent wildfires. Should California continue its devotion to burdensome regulations and economic challenges, it will be a challenge they face for generations.
But those generations, both in California and in all 50 states, will never achieve their true potential unless they are properly prepared. And preparation for our children begins in school. Unfortunately, our current education system is lacking. While it may work for some, maybe even most, it doesn’t work for all. That’s where education freedom comes into play.
By fostering education freedom, leaders can give parents and students the choices they need to thrive in a competitive world. That freedom is available if you only know where to look. That’s why we just released our 2025 Index of State Education Freedom. Underscoring the momentum behind school choice and parental empowerment, as President Trump and Secretary of Education nominee Linda McMahon have repeatedly said, the Education Freedom Report tells you which states are providing their students with the ability to enjoy an education that best suits their individual needs. Florida once again claimed the top spot, cementing its reputation as a leader in education freedom, while New York landed in dead last, lagging far behind in offering opportunities for families. Notably, North Carolina surged an impressive 23 spots, climbing from 35th to 12th. As National School Choice Week concludes, we know our work on behalf of parents and their students isn’t finished.
For decades, ALEC has led the charge in promoting democratic governance both at home and abroad. In response to the growing need for leadership on the global stage, we are proud to announce the launch of the Center for International Freedom. Through engagement with policymakers from emerging democracies, empowering leaders in nations where freedom is under threat, and developing policy resources that champion international liberty, ALEC is expanding its mission to a worldwide audience. Freedom has always been the foundation of our work, and we are energized by the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
As the new year unfolds, ALEC isn’t just leading the charge on education freedom – we are working tirelessly across the board to advance policies that strengthen free markets, limit government overreach, and uphold federalism. Despite last week’s winter weather sweeping across the nation, ALEC has already visited 10 state capitals in 2025, engaging with lawmakers on lowering taxes, cutting burdensome regulations through the ALEC Government Efficiency Coalition, and fostering economic growth. This relentless pace reflects our unwavering dedication to creating an environment where individuals and businesses can thrive. ALEC is not slowing down—and neither should you. The stage has been set for transformative change in 2025. Now is the time to lean in, work harder, and make history.