Driving Freedom Forward: ALEC Recognizes 2025 Leaders of the Year

At last week’s States and Nation Policy Summit, ALEC recognized officials from across the United States and around the world for exceptional achievements over the past year that advanced the foundational principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism. Their work demonstrates the dedication, innovation, and leadership that strengthen liberty and expand opportunity nationwide.

Legislators of the Year

Former Texas Senate President Pro Tempore Brandon Creighton, now Chancellor of the Texas Tech University, and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows earned honors for their leadership in securing passage of Senate Bill 2, the Universal Education Freedom Bill. This landmark legislation creates the nation’s largest universal education freedom account program, expands choice and opportunity for millions of Texas students, and offers up to $8,000 in scholarship funds for most students—with greater support available for students with special needs. Families can use these funds for approved educational expenses including tuition, testing fees, and therapeutic services.

Ohio Senator Jerry Cirino received recognition for his instrumental role in advancing Ohio’s flat tax reforms and strengthening the state’s higher-education system through meaningful policy changes.

Oklahoma Senator Micheal Bergstrom earned commendation for his leadership in strengthening judicial accountability. He led efforts to limit judicial deference to unelected agencies through reforms related to the REINS Act and Chevron deference, and restoring balance in government and safeguarding taxpayers’ interests.

Iron Lady Award

Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Liz Truss received the Iron Lady Award for her steadfast support of free markets and limited government. Like her predecessor Margaret Thatcher, she has witnessed firsthand the dangers of socialism and continues to serve as one of the world’s most influential voices warning against the expansion of government power.

Scalia Award for Restoring the Balance of Government

Missouri Senator Nick Schroer earned recognition for his leadership in advancing judicial deference reform. With Missouri’s action this year, the state became the fourth in the nation to prohibit judicial deference, thereby reinforcing the judiciary’s interpretive authority and placing meaningful limits on executive agencies and bureaucratic overreach.

Public Sector State Chair of the Year

Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins received honors for his steadfast leadership and unwavering commitment to state-driven policy innovation. Working alongside 2024 ALEC National Chair and Kansas Senator Ty Masterson, Speaker Hawkins strengthened the Kansas delegation and played a pivotal role in restoring legislative authority over the state budget process, advancing accountable, citizen-focused governance in Kansas.

Bob Williams Memorial Award for Policy Leadership

Michigan Representative Ann Bollin received this award for her work on the Michigan state budget to increase transparency, accountability, and measurable results. She led efforts to reduce legislative pork by 87 percent; cut waste, fraud, and abuse by more than $800 million; eliminate 2,000 ghost jobs; and require greater transparency so Lansing insiders and politicians remain accountable for the projects they champion.

Award of Appreciation

North Carolina Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger earned recognition for his long-term commitment to expanding economic opportunity and building a more prosperous future for all North Carolinians. His leadership on tax reform helped move North Carolina from 26th to fourth place in the Rich States, Poor States economic outlook rankings.

Private Sector State Chair of the Year

Joe Arite played a vital role in strengthening engagement, supporting public-private collaboration, and advancing the principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism.

Volunteer of the Year

James Rucker received recognition for his support of our 2025 National Chair of the Board, his wife, West Virginia Senator Patricia Rucker, throughout her entire year of service.

Defender of Federalism Award

Jared Borg, Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs for State Governments, accepted this award on behalf of his team for their work returning government authority to the states and reducing federal control. His team also leads the White House Leadership Day series, bringing leaders from every state to Washington for briefings on state and federal policies.

Laffer Award for Economic Excellence

United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent received recognition for his work restoring economic freedom and unleashing prosperity for American businesses.

American Civics & History Award

Erika Donalds received the inaugural American Civics & History Award for her leadership in advancing civics education, strengthening patriotic understanding, and championing school choice.

Gregor G. Peterson Prize

Josh Robertson received the Gregor G. Peterson Prize for his work at Black Pastors United for Education, a growing movement that advances educational freedom through advocacy, government engagement, and community leadership.