Empowering State Leaders with Trusted Policy Solutions: Lee Schalk on The Tim Jones & Chris Arps Show
We're at such a pivotal moment in our nation's history, and the importance of these policy discussions cannot be overstated.
ALEC Vice President of Policy Lee Schalk joined The Tim Jones and Chris Arps Show from the ALEC Annual Meeting in Denver, Colorado to discuss conference highlights and the importance of trusted policy solutions for the states.
Gathering of Thought Leaders
The ALEC Annual Meeting brought together nearly 1,500 total attendees, including legislators from almost every state, along with private sector partners, business leaders, and nonprofit representatives. Schalk emphasized the importance of the meeting, particularly in this pivotal moment in American history. Key topics included education freedom, energy affordability, economic opportunity, and border security.
We’re at such a pivotal moment in our nation’s history, and it really cannot be overstated the importance of these policy discussions that are taking place this week with ramifications for every family in our country. We’ve already talked about education freedom, and have also gotten into energy independence, economic opportunity, securing the southern border. It’s already been a great week in Denver with a lot more to come.
Addressing Misconceptions and Promoting Core Values
Schalk addressed the criticism ALEC has faced, often labeled as promoting extreme policies. He addressed those criticism by asking why policies such as promoting parental choice in education, ensuring safer neighborhoods, and advocating for lower taxes were deemed extreme. He argued that these policies resonate with a broad base because they align with fundamental American values. The discussions at the meeting, featured notable speakers like former Governor Doug Ducey, Governor Kim Reynolds, Governor Jared Polis, and more. This underscored the commitment ALEC has to creating practical solutions for the states.
You’ve got people from the left and these progressives that come out of the woodwork, and I’ve got to say, we still hear some of this today. They say that ALEC is extreme, that our policies are extreme, but you’ve got to ask yourself: what’s extreme, for example, about giving parents more choice or their children’s education? What’s extreme about having safer neighborhoods or securing our border, or what’s extreme about being able to keep more of your hard-earned paycheck?
The Impact of Rich States, Poor States
One of the flagship ALEC publications, Rich States, Poor States, ranks states based on economic outlook, promoting the idea that prosperity follows policies championed by ALEC. Schalk highlighted the success of states like Utah and North Carolina, which have benefited from lower taxes and fewer regulations, in contrast to higher-tax states like New York and California.
Rich States, Poor States has been our flagship publication, and you can see our 50 state rankings for economic outlook on richstatespoorstates.org. Utah has been a perennial powerhouse, ranked number one in our report every year, with their approach to policy, lower taxes, fewer regulations.