December CEO Update
What a great week in Arizona!
Everyone who made it out to Scottsdale, AZ, for the 2023 States & Nation Policy Summit (SNPS) was treated to an incredible lineup of speakers and messages from the U.S. Speaker of the House, Governors, and more.
Tuesday night was a night for recognition. Thanking those who went above and beyond in 2023 as ALEC leaders handed out awards to Private Sector State Chair of the Year, Becki Gray, Public Sector State Chair of the Year, Rep. Karianne Lisonbee (UT), Volunteer of the Year Alex Barrera, and Legislators of the Year Rep. Mindy McAlindon (AR), Sen. Paul Bettencourt (TX), and Sen. President Amy Sinclair (IA).
Wednesday kicked off with a proper high desert welcome from Doug Ducey, the 23rd governor of Arizona. Next, we received a message from U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson followed by a discussion on a balanced budget amendment with former US Comptroller General David Walker.
Later that day, renowned economist Dr. Arthur Laffer presented the 2023 Laffer Award for Economic Excellence to PatientRightsAdvocate.org Founder Cynthia Fisher for her work in driving down medical costs through healthcare transparency. The celebration was followed by an in-depth look into the work of T.W. Lewis Foundation founder Tom Lewis and how philanthropic advocacy is making an impact in the corporate and academic arena. Closing the night, with rave reviews, was the 50th Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich.
On Thursday, as events began to wind down, there was one last hurrah as Arizona Supreme Court Justice Clint Bolick received the Scalia Award for Restoring the Balance of Government, Nicole Hopkin & John Jackson awarded Lynee Fife and Connor Boyack the Gregor G. Peterson Prize for their Children’s Entrepreneur Market project, and a warning against politicized investment practices by the illustrious businessman Andy Puzder. This was also the day for ALEC’s 2023 National Chairman Danny Perez of Florida to hand off the gavel to 2024 National Chairman Ty Masterson of Kansas. We thank Danny for his inspiration, his leadership, and his patience in making 2023 one of the best ALEC years ever.
This week has been a non-stop effort by leaders and legislators from both sides of the aisle to examine 40 new model policies, look into our objectives for 2024, and defend the principles that make our organization and country great – limited government, free markets, and federalism.
But November wasn’t only about SNPS, we also released the 2024 Essential Policy Solutions report, the 3rd edition of our Energy Affordability Report, and fast-tracked model policy to support Israel and condemn the baseless attacks by the Hamas terrorist group.
If you made it out to Scottsdale, then we hope you made the most of your post-Thanksgiving visit. If not, we’re sorry we missed you and that you missed a wonderful opportunity to learn about critical issues facing state and local legislators today. You can view all of the 2023 Summit general sessions online here.
So as you wrap up – or begin – your holiday shopping, please know that everyone here at ALEC is ready to support you through the New Year, 2024, and beyond. And don’t forget to start making plans for Denver, July 24 – 25.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!