Big Beautiful Laboratories of Democracy: Jonathan Williams on Prosperity 101
We are the only educational organization in America for state legislators and really for all Americans to bring forward sound, common sense public policy ideas.
Appearing on Prosperity 101, ALEC President and Chief Economist, Jonathan Williams, spoke to the host, Linda Hansen, on the role of ALEC as a unique educational organization for state legislators, the recent 18th edition of Rich States, Poor States, as well as other relevant topics central to ALEC’s mission.
Williams highlighted ALEC’s unique role as a crucial educational organization for state legislators across the United States. Celebrating ALEC’s significant impact over its 52-year history, he noted the organization’s efforts in fostering sound public policy ideas that have driven substantial economic growth and job creation nationwide.
“We are the only educational organization in America for state legislators and really for all Americans to bring forward sound, common sense public policy ideas,” Williams remarked. “And allow states to continue to be the leaders in these laboratories of democracy”
Central to the mission of ALEC was Rich States, Poor States, the publication Williams described as critical for understanding the tangible economic impacts of various state-level policies. He underscored Utah’s consistent success, citing its 18-year streak as the top-ranking state due to strategic policies like flat tax implementation, pension reform, and prudent management of federal funds.
“Utah has a lot of great things to take away from it [in its policy actions]. It is really how they’ve been able to stay at the top for this many years,” Williams explained.
Williams also pointed to significant policy turnarounds in states like Ohio and West Virginia, pointing out the transformative impact of school choice initiatives, tax reductions, and regulatory reforms. He stressed that such policies have not only enhanced economic prospects but have also reversed longstanding trends of population decline.
“Ohio is a great turnaround story. These kinds of turnaround stories, really show the causal relationship of lower taxes driving growth,” Williams shared. “You turn the page into 2025, and the [West Virginia] census showed for the first time in 100 years after school choice, tax cuts and deregulation, right to work, West Virginia is now an inbound state.”
Williams urged employers nationwide to engage actively with their employees on key policy issues. He emphasized that clear communication about the real-world benefits of free-market policies could help ensure continued economic vitality and job security in states adopting these principles.
“Here’s where I think the voice of the employers is just so important.,” Williams stated. “I think it’s existential to the future success of states that are inbound migration states.”
Concluding the interview, Williams highlighted ALEC’s new task forces dedicated to election integrity and veterans’ affairs. He reiterated ALEC’s commitment to preserving American constitutional principles as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
“America is going to celebrate its 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in just about a year from now,” Williams affirmed. “We have, an incredible opportunity to educate rank and file, hardworking Americans across the board of reminding them, why is it that America is so unique, and why is it that America is great.”