Common Sense Comeback: CEO Update
October was a month defined by extraordinary resolve and progress. While navigating the challenges of a federal government shutdown, we also witnessed landmark steps toward lasting peace in the Middle East. Through every test, the American spirit that has sustained our republic for nearly 250 years continues to move us forward.
President Trump’s progress in ending hostilities in Israel and Gaza and securing the return of Israeli hostages – with the steadfast support of leaders like Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Whitkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Jared Kushner – reminds us that bold, creative thinking is essential to advancing timeless truths in a changing world.
Back home at the No Kings protests, those timeless truths were nowhere to be found. Participants seemed unsure of what they were rallying against. Despite its noise and theatrics, this movement – if you can call it that – had no coherent vision, no real goals, amounting to nothing but a big, confusing show.
At ALEC, we aren’t just putting on a show. During our legislator academies last month in Arkansas and North Carolina, we continued our work with business leaders and state legislators, sharing our trusted policy solutions to bring prosperity to the states – helping job creators and everyday Americans thrive.
That’s why I always chuckle when detractors suggest ALEC is extreme. We want every student to have the opportunity to succeed. We are for protecting the rights of every American to legally cast votes in our elections. We pursue policies to ensure energy is affordable and reliable. The reality is that ALEC is for common sense, and the overwhelming majority of Americans are with us.
Thankfully, the Common Sense Comeback includes corporate America too. Glass-Lewis recently announced it will end its practice of issuing default “benchmark” voting recommendations for shareholders, instead allowing them to choose from a variety of perspectives. After steering trillions of dollars in shareholder power to support Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Glass Lewis ending its “auto-vote” practice marks a significant turning point for the free market.
Speaking of common sense, one month from today, we’ll chart the course for trusted policy solutions at the ALEC States and Nation Policy Summit (SNPS) in Fort Worth, Texas. As our task forces discuss more than 80 new model policy ideas (live on the ALEC website tomorrow), we’ll also hear from exceptional speakers, including my friend Erika Donalds of AFPI, Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, radio host Hugh Hewitt, and many more.
Workshops will begin on Tuesday this year! Be sure to join us for these important sessions as we kick off the Summit. Registration is open, so make sure you sign up now. At SNPS, we’ll also unveil ALEC’s Essential Policy Solutions for 2026, our must-have guide for state legislators, a roadmap to build on the momentum of 2025 and tackle the critical issues on the horizon for the 2026 legislative sessions.
Our mission is to empower states and shape America’s future. ALEC is committed to standing with you at the cutting edge of policy innovation, uniting fresh ideas, seasoned experience, and practical problem solving to deliver the most effective common-sense solutions in the nation. As you gather with loved ones in a few short weeks for Thanksgiving, know that we are grateful to have your support, and we will continue to wave the flag through every season.
See you in Fort Worth!