May CEO Update

I keep returning to two numbers: 100 and 250.

In the first 100 days of this new administration, we witnessed the early stages of a profound shift of power returning to the states, and with it, the possibility of real reform. At the heart of this transformation stands ALEC, rallying the next generation of leaders to rise and lead. This week, 25 Generation Z legislators came to Washington not to be dazzled by the old order, but to challenge it. Their message was clear: Be bold. Be brave. Don’t abandon the principles that brought you here in the first place.

These young leaders — like Amber Hulse from South Dakota and David Tangipa from California — aren’t content to simply rest on the sidelines. They are bolting into the arena with urgency and cause, determined to restore government of, by, and for the people. Whether by cutting spending, dismantling bureaucracy, or rebuilding education from the ground up, they understand what Washington forgot long ago: change begins in the states. They’re not asking permission, they are watching what’s happening on the ground and taking action.

100 days of restoring power to the states.

100 days of reinventing government.

100 days of proving that real change starts at the local level.

Then I arrive at 250.

We recently marked 250 years since the Battles of Lexington and Concord, when ordinary citizens made their final stand at the North Bridge against overwhelming odds in the name of freedom. Their courage sparked a revolution, and their spirit continues to inspire us to this day as we continue to defend and advance the principles that make America exceptional: limited government, free markets, and federalism.

That same spark lives on. Across the country, a growing movement is taking shape as we prepare to celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial. From proclamations to new initiatives, the story of America’s founding and the sacrifices that followed are once again taking center stage. ALEC will be at the forefront of this national celebration—honoring the states, the leaders, and the countless acts of courage that have kept the flame of liberty burning for 250 years.

In the months ahead, we will launch new initiatives to recognize the champions of freedom—past and present—including the thousands of state leaders who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with ALEC over the last 52 years to shape a freer, stronger America. This legacy is not merely a point of pride—it is a call to action. The work of defending and advancing liberty is never done. And ALEC stands ready to lead that charge.

This renewed spirit of leadership was on full display with the release of the 18th edition of Rich States, Poor States—the definitive guide to state economic competitiveness. Co-authored by Dr. Arthur B. Laffer, Stephen Moore, and ALEC President and Chief Economist Jonathan Williams, this year’s report was unveiled in Salt Lake City at Kearns Mansion, the official residence of Utah’s governor. Governor Spencer Cox, Senate President Stuart Adams, House Speaker Mike Schultz, and other legislative leaders joined ALEC to celebrate Utah’s remarkable achievement—once again earning the #1 ranking for economic outlook.

Their success is no accident. It is the direct result of visionary leadership and sound policies that honor hard work, reward innovation, and unleash opportunity. Rich States, Poor States continues to prove a powerful truth: when states embrace free markets and fiscal responsibility, prosperity follows.

And while our work to advance trusted fiscal reform marches forward state by state, momentum for education freedom continues to build – and Texas just took a bold leap forward. With the passage of Senate Bill 2, the Lone Star State has established the largest Universal Education Savings Account program in the country. As I shared with our good friends Steve Moore and Grover Norquist last weekend on Moore Money, this groundbreaking reform will be available to all 6 million students, making Texas the 16th state to offer families universal education freedom. These victories—achieved through the tireless efforts of ALEC members and our partners in the Education Freedom Alliance—remind us that when parents, not bureaucrats, are empowered to shape their children’s education, everyone wins.

Our alumni continue to shape America’s future. With the special election victories of Randy Fine and Jimmy Patronis in Florida, ALEC alumni now serve in 94 seats in the U.S. House and 13 seats in the U.S. Senate. Though we are rooted in the states, the road to Capitol Hill increasingly runs through ALEC. That pipeline of principled leadership is more critical today than ever before.

Finally, mark your calendar for our Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, July 16-18. It promises to be a defining event as we gather to chart the next chapter of American renewal. Registration is open—and with family-friendly activities, including our Kids Congress, it’s the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders.

This is a season not simply to celebrate, but to act.

Just as the patriots of Lexington and Concord stepped forward 250 years ago, we are called to step forward today—to meet the challenges of our time with courage, clarity, and an unbreakable faith in the promise of America.

The work of building a freer, stronger America continues.

Together, we will lead it.